Configurable cooking vessel

ABSTRACT

A cooking vessel system includes a double wall cooking vessel that includes a bottom wall, an inner side wall, and an outer side wall. The cooking vessel also includes a plurality of dividers that extend between the inner side wall and the outer side wall. The plurality of dividers form one or more slots between the inner side wall and the outer side wall. The system also includes an induction element configured to fit into a slot of the one or more slots such that the induction element is positioned at least partially between the inner side wall and the outer side wall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/039,166 filed on Jul. 18, 2018, which isa divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/422,585, filed onFeb. 2, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/207,567, filed on Jul. 12, 2016, which in turn claims priority toeach of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/194,021, filed on Jul. 17,2015, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/196,161, filed on Jul. 23,2015, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/206,080, filed on Aug. 17,2015, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/303,667, filed on Mar. 4,2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/312,917, filed on Mar. 24,2016, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirrespective entireties.

BACKGROUND

Traditional cookware typically includes a flat bottom and one or moreside walls that are designed to contain a food/liquid that is to becooked or heated. The bottom and side wall(s) of the cookware areusually made from metal, and the metallic surfaces of the cookware areheated through thermal conduction, convection, and/or induction,depending on the type of cooktop. As a result, the entire cookingsurface of the cookware is heated, which in turn heats the contents ofthe cookware.

SUMMARY

A cooking apparatus includes a non-ferrous cooking vessel configured toreceive food. The cooking apparatus also includes a ferrous cookingvessel cover that is configured for placement over a top of thenon-ferrous cooking vessel. The cooking apparatus also includes one ormore induction heating elements suspended from the ferrous cookingvessel cover, and a radiation source. The radiation source is configuredto deliver electromagnetic radiation to the ferrous cooking vessel coverand the one or more induction heating elements such that the ferrouscooking vessel cover and the one or more induction heating elements areheated.

In some embodiments, the one or more induction heating elements aresuspended from the ferrous cooking vessel cover into the food within thenon-ferrous cooking vessel. In at least one embodiment, the one or moreinduction heating elements are extendable and retractable such that aposition of the one or more induction heating elements relative to thefood is adjustable. In other embodiments, the cooking apparatus includesone or more side induction heating elements that extend inward from asidewall of the non-ferrous cooking vessel.

In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus includes a handle for theferrous cooking vessel cover, where the handle is non-ferrous. In someembodiments, the cooking apparatus includes a hinge configured toconnect the ferrous cooking vessel cover to the non-ferrous cookingvessel. The hinge allows the ferrous cooking vessel cover to bepositioned in a plurality of orientations relative to the non-ferrouscooking vessel. In one embodiment, the plurality of orientations includea fully open position, a fully closed position, and at least oneintermediate position between the fully open position and the fullyclosed position.

In some embodiments, the ferrous cooking vessel cover comprises amulti-piece ferrous cooking vessel cover, where each piece of themulti-piece ferrous cooking vessel cover is attached to the non-ferrouscooking vessel by a hinge. In other embodiments, the ferrous cookingvessel cover comprises a multi-piece ferrous cooking vessel cover, wherepieces of the multi-piece ferrous cooking vessel cover are connected toform an accordion style cover. In yet other embodiments, the ferrouscooking vessel cover comprises a multi-piece ferrous cooking vesselcover, where each piece of the multi-piece ferrous cooking vessel coverincludes a handle that allows manipulation of the respective piece. Insome embodiments, the cooking apparatus includes a frame at a top of thenon-ferrous cooking vessel, where the frame is configured to receive theferrous cooking vessel cover.

In some embodiments, the ferrous cooking vessel cover is transformablesuch that a size of the ferrous cooking vessel cover is adjustable. Insuch an embodiment, the ferrous cooking vessel cover can include aplurality of pieces, where each of the plurality of pieces includes ahinged extension that allows each of the plurality of pieces totransform in size. Alternatively, the ferrous cooking vessel cover caninclude a plurality of pieces, where each of the plurality of piecesincludes a slidable extension that allows each of the plurality ofpieces to transform in size.

In some embodiments, the ferrous cooking vessel cover is transformablesuch that a shape of the ferrous cooking vessel cover is adjustable. Insuch an embodiment, the ferrous cooking vessel cover can include aplurality of pieces, where each of the plurality of pieces includes ahinged portion that allows each of the plurality of pieces to transformin shape. Alternatively, the ferrous cooking vessel cover may include aplurality of pieces, where each of the plurality of pieces includes aslidable extension that allows each of the plurality of pieces totransform in shape.

In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus includes one or more openingsin a sidewall of the non-ferrous cooking vessel, where each of the oneor more openings is configured to receive an induction heating element.In some embodiments, the induction heating element in each of the one ormore openings is extendable and retractable such that an amount of theinduction heating element within the non-ferrous cooking vessel isadjustable.

One illustrative embodiment is directed to a cooking vessel systemincludes a double wall cooking vessel that includes a bottom wall, aninner side wall, and an outer side wall. In an illustrative embodiment,the bottom wall, inner side wall, and outer side wall are made from anon-ferromagnetic material. The cooking vessel also includes a pluralityof dividers that extend between the inner side wall and the outer sidewall. The plurality of dividers form one or more slots between the innerside wall and the outer side wall. The system also includes an inductionelement configured to fit into a slot of the one or more slots such thatthe induction element is positioned at least partially between the innerside wall and the outer side wall.

Another illustrative cooking vessel system includes a cooking vesselthat has a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall has an innersurface, an outer surface, and an upper edge. The cooking vessel systemalso includes an induction element that is configured to mount to theside wall. The induction element can be of any shape, size, thickness,etc. The induction element includes a heating member, an upper edgecontact member, and a lip. The heating member rests upon the innersurface of the side wall, the upper edge contact member rests upon theupper edge of the cooking vessel, and the lip rests upon the outersurface of the side wall.

Other principal features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdrawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments will hereafter be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of itsscope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict an induction based cooking system having anon-ferrous cooking vessel with a cover of material subject to heatingby induction (i.e., induction cooking cover), in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an induction based cooking system having anon-ferrous cooking vessel with a hinged induction cooking cover, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an induction based cooking system having anon-ferrous cooking vessel with a hinged induction two-piece cookingcover, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an induction based cooking system having anon-ferrous cooking vessel with an accordion style induction cookingcover, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an induction based cooking system having anon-ferrous cooking vessel with a frame that is configured to receiveone or more ferrous cover elements, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a transformable induction cooking cover, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a non-ferrous cooking vessel having slots thereinto receive pieces of metal subject to heating by induction, inserted orremoved from the non-ferrous cooking vessel to enable heating to takeplace in a targeted and controlled manner (i.e., induction heatingelements), in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts an induction smoker tray as a non-ferrous platform withinduction heating elements placed in a desired pattern such that heat isgenerated via the induction heating elements in the desired pattern, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a non-ferrous cooking vessel configured toreceive a mobile induction heating element, in accordance with at leastsome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a cut-away view of a mobile induction heatingelement mounted on a wall of a non-ferrous cooking vessel, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts a cooking system having a non-ferrous cooking vesselcomprised of a base and cover, with sections of each containinginduction heating elements so that heating of food located between thebase and cover takes place from the top and bottom, where the top andbottom elements are not in homologous position to enable electromagneticradiation to pass through the base to the cover without interference(hereinafter ‘induction cooking cage’), in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts a cooking system having a cooking vessel with automatedplacement and insertion of induction heating elements, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts a multi-chamber cooking package, in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts a system for sealing a package, container, parcel, etc.using induction heating, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts a system for assembling or attaching components of aproduct using induction heating, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts another system for assembling or attaching components ofa product using induction heating, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 17A and 17B depict a food packaging system with integratedinduction elements, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 18A-18C depict induction elements having non-inductive portions,in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19A-19D depict circuit switches that are triggered by inductionheating, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 depicts a system of detection based on induction heating, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 depicts a test tube with an induction heating element, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 depicts an attachment mechanism with a male to female connectionthat is controlled via induction induced heating, in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23A depicts a cooking vessel in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 23B depicts an induction element in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 23C is a profile view of a side wall of an induction cooking vesselwith grooves in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 23D is a profile side view of a lid with flanges for an inductioncooking vessel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional profile view of a cooking vessel inaccordance with another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of a cooking vessel with externalhooks/protrusions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 24C is an enlarged view of an induction element for use with thecooking vessel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 25A depicts a double wall cooking vessel in accordance with inillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 25B is a sectional view of a portion of an outer sidewall of adouble wall cooking vessel in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 25C depicts a stopper in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present subject matter will now be described withreference to the above-identified figures. However, the drawings and thedescription herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.It will be understood that various modifications of the presentdescription are possible without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Also, features or operations described herein may be omitted,additional operations or features may be included, and/or features oroperations described herein may be combined in a manner different fromthe specific combinations recited herein without departing from thespirit of the invention.

Induction cooking involves the use of an induction (or electromagneticradiation) source to heat a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron), whichin turn delivers heat to food that is being cooked. The induction sourcecan be incorporated into a stovetop, an oven, a hot plate, etc. In someimplementations, the induction source is an electronically controlledcoil of metal through which an alternating current flows. Current flowthrough the coil produces a fluctuating magnetic field, which in turninduces an electric current that flows through the ferromagneticmaterial. The electric current that flows through the ferromagneticmaterial heats the ferromagnetic material such that the food is heated.In different implementations, different forms of induction sources maybe used.

The present disclosure relates to applications of induction heating. Forexample, the present disclosure relates to induction cooking.Conventional induction cooking involves use of a cooking vessel made ofa ferrous or similar material, where the cooking vessel receiveselectromagnetic energy from an electromagnetic radiation source. Theelectromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic radiation source heatsthe ferrous cooking vessel, which in turn causes the contents of thecooking vessel to cook. The present disclosure allows for inductioncooking to take place in a cooking vessel that is made of a non-ferrousmaterial. Specifically, to facilitate induction cooking using anon-ferrous cooking vessel, ferrous elements may be positioned on,around, or under the non-ferrous cooking vessel, incorporated into wallsof the non-ferrous cooking vessel, form the lid/cover of the non-ferrouscooking vessel, used in conjunction with the non-ferrous cooking vesseletc. to facilitate the induction heating of the contents of thenon-ferrous cooking vessel. In such implementations, the electromagneticradiation from the electromagnetic radiation source travels to theferrous elements of the non-ferrous cooking vessel to heat food in astrategic and targeted manner, as described in greater detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary induction cooking system100 is shown, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Specifically referring to FIG. 1A, the inductioncooking system 100 includes a cooking vessel 110 having a cooking cover120. It is to be understood that the shape and size of the cookingvessel 110 and the cooking cover 120, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, aremerely exemplary. In other embodiments, the cooking vessel 110 and thecooking cover 120 may assume other shapes and sizes, as desired.Specifically, the cooking cover 120 may assume a variety of shapes andsizes corresponding to the shape and size of the cooking vessel 110.Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, at least a portion of thecooking cover 120 is made of a ferrous material and the cooking vessel110 is made of a non-ferrous material.

Contents within the cooking vessel 110 are heated using a radiationsource 130. In an illustrative embodiment, the radiation source 130 is asource of electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the distance betweenthe radiation source 130 and the ferrous materials (e.g., the cookingcover 120) may be varied but kept within a commonly known range toeffectively facilitate heating of the ferrous materials. Likewise, thepositioning (e.g., orientation and angle) of the radiation source 130relative to the ferrous materials (e.g., the cooking cover 120) may bevaried to achieve a desired heating profile. As used herein, “heatingprofile” means the direction, angle, and intensity of heat that isdesired to effectively and appropriately heat the contents of thecooking vessel 110.

Thus, electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source 130 is used toheat the ferrous portions of the induction cooking system 100, such asthe cooking cover 120. The cooking cover 120 then transfers the heat tothe contents of the cooking vessel 110 to heat the contents therein.Since the cooking vessel 110 is made of a non-ferrous material, theradiation source 130 does not heat the cooking vessel 110. The radiationsource 130 only heats the cooking cover 120, which is ferrous in nature.By virtue of heating the contents of the cooking vessel 110 using thecooking cover 120, the contents (e.g., food) of the cooking vessel arestrategically heated from the top, as opposed to the bottom.

Furthermore, in at least some embodiments and, as shown in FIGS. 1A and1B, the cooking cover 120 includes induction heating elements 140suspended from the cooking cover. The cooking cover can be ferrous or atleast partially ferrous in an illustrative embodiment. Alternatively,the cooking cover may be non-ferrous. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate two ofthe induction heating elements 140. In alternative embodiments,additional or fewer than two of the induction heating elements 140 maybe used. For example, in some embodiments, a single induction heatingelement may be used, while in other embodiments, three, four, five, orpossibly greater number of induction heating elements may be used.Furthermore, the shape, size, and configuration of the induction heatingelements 140 may vary from one embodiment to another.

Additionally, for a given one of the cooking cover 120, the shape, size,and configuration of each of the induction heating elements 140 may varyfrom another one of the induction heating element. Likewise, theplacement of each of the induction heating elements 140 may vary on thecooking cover 120. For example, in at least some embodiments, each ofthe induction heating elements 140 may be positioned equidistant fromone another—whether closer to the center of the cooking cover 120 orcloser to the periphery of the cooking cover. In other embodiments, theinduction heating elements 140 need not be positioned equidistant fromone another. Rather, the positioning of the induction heating elements140 may vary depending upon the heating profile of the contents withinthe cooking vessel 110 that is desired.

Furthermore, in some embodiments and as shown, the induction heatingelements 140 may be hung from the bottom of the cooking cover 120. Eachof the induction heating elements 140 may be hung using a hook/loopattachment, magnetic attachment, other attachment mechanism, orintegrally formed as a unitary piece of the cooking cover 120. By virtueof extending downwardly from the bottom of the cooking cover 120, theinduction heating elements 140 extend into the cooking vessel 110 and,thus, may be positioned relative to the food/contents of the cookingvessel to strategically heat the contents of the cooking vessel.Additionally, in some embodiments, the induction heating elements 140may be extendable/retractable such that they may be lowered into orraised above the contents of the cooking vessel 110, as desired. Such anextendable/retractable feature may be implemented using a telescopinginduction heating element, by a segmented induction heating element inwhich portions can be added and removed, and/or by a hinged inductionheating element in which hinged portions of the induction heatingelement can be raised or lowered.

While the induction heating elements 140 have been shown and describedas extending downwardly from the cooking cover 120, in otherembodiments, the induction heating elements may be provided to extendinto the cooking vessel 110 from the sides of the cooking vessel or fromthe bottom of the cooking vessel. These additional ones of the inductionheating elements 140 (e.g., the induction heating elements extendingfrom the sides or bottom of the cooking vessel) may be provided inaddition to or instead of the induction heating elements extendingdownwardly from the cooking cover 120.

In at least some embodiments, the cooking cover 120 also includes ahandle 150. In at least some embodiments, the handle 150 is made from aheat resistant, non-ferrous material (e.g., wood, glass, ceramic, etc.)such that it is not directly heated as a result of the electromagneticradiation that heats the rest of the cooking cover 120. The size, shape,configuration, placement, etc. of the handle 150 may vary in differentembodiments, and is not limited to the example configuration illustratedin FIGS. 1A and 1B. In at least some embodiments, more than a single oneof the handle 150 may be provided as well.

While the induction cooking system 100 described above has beendescribed as having the cooking vessel 110 that is made of a non-ferrousmaterial and the cooking cover 120 that is made of a ferrous material,it is to be understood that in at least some embodiments, variations arecontemplated. For example, in some embodiments, only portions of thecooking vessel 110 may be made of a non-ferrous material such that thecooking vessel 110 may be partly made of a ferrous material. Likewise,in some embodiments, only portions of the cooking cover 120 may be madeof a ferrous material with the remaining portions of the cooking covermade of a non-ferrous material.

In general, the portions of the cooking vessel 110 and the cooking cover120 that are ferrous and non-ferrous depend upon the heating profile ofthe contents of the vessel that is desired. Additionally, while theinduction cooking system 100 has been described from the perspective ofcooking food, it is to be understood that the present disclosure(including the embodiments described below) may be used in applicationsother than cooking. For example, the induction cooking system 100 may beused in any application that requires heating of any contents (food ornon-food) within the cooking vessel 110 by using induction heat.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an induction cooking system 200 isshown, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The induction cooking system 200 includes a cooking cover210 attached to a cooking vessel 220 via hinges 230. While theembodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B show the cooking cover 210 as attached tothe cooking vessel 220 via two of the hinges 230, in other embodiments,additional or fewer hinges may be used. Additionally, a connectionmechanism other than the hinges 230 may be used in other embodiments tomovably attach the cooking cover 210 to the cooking vessel 220.Furthermore, the hinges 230 may be made of a ferrous or a non-ferrousmaterial. Again, and similar to the cooking vessel 110 and the cookingcover 120, the shape and size of the cooking cover 210 and the cookingvessel 220 may vary from one embodiment to another.

In at least some embodiments, the cooking cover 210 is made of a ferrousmaterial and the cooking vessel 220 is made from a non-ferrous material.Thus, the cooking cover 220 generates heat upon receipt ofelectromagnetic energy from a radiation source 240. Similar to theradiation source 130, the radiation source 240 is a source capable ofgenerating electromagnetic radiation for heating ferrous materials. Alsosimilar to the radiation source 130, the positioning and orientation ofthe radiation source 240 may vary from one embodiment to another.Furthermore, as is known to those of skill in the art, the orientationof the ferrous material relative to the electromagnetic radiationaffects the intensity of heat generated by the ferrous material (in thiscase the cooking cover 210). Thus, by virtue of varying the orientationof the cooking cover 210 relative to the radiation source 240, the heatgenerated by the cooking cover may be varied to vary the heat deliveredto the contents of the cooking vessel 220.

Specifically, in FIG. 2A, the cooking cover 210 is shown in an openposition, such that an opening 250 is present on the top of the cookingvessel 220 revealing any contents of the cooking vessel. In this openposition, the cooking cover 210 is oriented parallel to theelectromagnetic radiation emitted from the radiation source 240. On theother hand, FIG. 2B depicts the cooking cover 210 in a closed positionsuch that any contents of the cooking vessel 220 are not visible fromthe opening 250. In this closed position, the cooking cover 210 isoriented perpendicular to the electromagnetic radiation emitted from theradiation source 240. Thus, the heat profile generated by the cookingcover 210 in an open position is different from the heat profilegenerated by the cooking cover in a closed position. In otherembodiments, the hinges 230 may allow for more than a parallel andperpendicular orientation of the cooking cover 210 relative to theradiation source 240, such that the intensity of heat may be varied asdesired by the user. For example, the hinges 230 (or any otherattachment mechanism that is used) may include a sufficient amount offriction to hold the cooking cover 210 in any desired position betweenthe fully open position (FIG. 2A) and the fully closed position (FIG.2B). The variation of heat intensity may alternatively or in addition tothe movement of the cooking cover 210 be achieved by varying theposition and/or orientation of the radiation source 240.

Furthermore, while not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cooking cover 210may also include a handle similar to the handle 150 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.Additionally, the cooking cover 210 and/or the cooking vessel 220 mayinclude induction heating elements similar to the induction heatingelements 140. Moreover, portions of the cooking cover 210 may be made ofa non-ferrous material and/or portions of the cooking vessel 220 may bemade of a ferrous material in some embodiments. Also, the hinges 230 orother flexible connectors used to connect the cooking cover 210 to thecooking vessel 220 may be used in other embodiments to implement avariety of cooking covers and associated cooking vessels, each of whichmay be associated with a desired cooking strategy. Some of thevariations of flexible connectors/hinges are shown in FIGS. 3A/3B and4A/4B below.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an induction cooking system300 having a cooking cover 310 is shown, in accordance with at leastsome embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, in at leastsome embodiments, the cooking cover 310 is a hinged two-piece cookingcover. The cooking cover 310, which is made at least partially from aferrous material, is attached to a cooking vessel 320 via hinges 330 ontwo sides of the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel 320 may be at leastpartially non-ferrous. While two of the hinges 330 are shown to connecteach side of the cooking vessel 320 to the cooking cover 310, it is tobe understood that additional or fewer hinges may be used on each side.It is also to be understood that attachment mechanisms other than thehinges 330 may be used to connect the cooking cover 310 to the cookingvessel 320.

Furthermore, each piece of the cooking cover 310 may be individuallymanipulated to achieve various configurations and orientations relativeto both the contents of the cooking vessel 320 and a radiation source340. As discussed above, the angle of the ferrous material relative tothe electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source 340 may bevaried to vary the intensity of heat delivered to the cooking vessel320. As such, a user may control the heat delivered to the contents ofthe cooking vessel 320 to a desired level by varying the angularpositioning of one or both of the radiation source 340 and each piece ofthe cooking cover 310.

FIG. 3A depicts both pieces of the cooking cover 310 in a closedposition (i.e., covering the top opening of the cooking vessel 320).FIG. 3B depicts one piece of the cooking cover 310 in a closed positionand the other piece in an open position such that the top opening of thecooking vessel 320 is partially open and partially closed and attains aheat profile that is at least somewhat different from the heat profileof the configuration of FIG. 3A. Similar to the cooking cover 210, in atleast some embodiments, each piece of the cooking cover 310 is connectedto the cooking vessel 320 via the hinges 330 (or other attachmentmechanism) to achieve a plurality of angular positions between the fullyopen position and the fully closed position to adjust the heat profile.

In at least some embodiments, each piece of the cooking cover 310 alsoincludes a handle 350 that may be made of a non-ferrous material tofacilitate opening and closing of the respective piece of the cookingcover. Each of the two pieces of the cooking cover 310 may also bedetachable/removable from the cooking vessel 320 in some embodiments.Furthermore, the two pieces of the cooking cover 310 need not be ofequal size. Rather, in some embodiments, one piece of the cooking cover310 may be of a larger size than the other piece to further manipulatethe heating profile. In another embodiment, the cooking cover 310 mayinclude a plurality of handles for stylistic effect and/or for hangingthe cooking cover 310. The handle(s) can be folded such that cookingvessels can be stacked upon one another with the cooking covers inplace. The cooking cover may also be removable for storing, washing,and/or for use as a serving dish.

Also, in at least some embodiments, the cooking cover 310 and/or thecooking vessel 320 may have induction heating elements (e.g., similar tothe induction heating elements 140 of FIGS. 1A and 1B) to further adjustthe heat generated by the ferrous portions of the induction cookingsystem 300. Furthermore, while the embodiment above has been describedas each piece of the cooking cover 310 being made of a ferrous material,in at least some embodiments, only portions of one or both pieces of thecooking cover may be made of a ferrous material with the remainingportions being made of a non-ferrous material. Specifically, thecombination of the ferrous and non-ferrous materials in one or bothpieces of the cooking cover 310 depends upon the heating profile that isdesired. Also and as mentioned above, the cooking cover 310 may beattached to the cooking vessel 320 by movable mechanisms other thanhinges.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an induction cooking system 400 isshown, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The induction cooking system 400 includes an accordion stylecooking cover 410 having a plurality of sections 420 that are connectedto one another via hinges 430 or another attachment mechanism thatallows the plurality of sections to fold in a manner described below.Specifically and as shown in FIG. 4B, the accordion style cooking cover410 includes two jointed portions 440 and 450. Each of the two jointedportions 440 and 450 are attached to one side of a cooking vessel 460(e.g., in a manner similar to the cooking cover 310 of FIGS. 3A and 3B).In at least some embodiments, hinges 470 may be used to movably attacheach of the two jointed portions 440 and 450 to the cooking vessel 460.In other embodiments, other mechanisms may be used to connect the twojointed portions 440 and 450 of the accordion style cooking cover 410 tothe cooking vessel 460.

Furthermore, each of the two jointed portions 440 and 450 may berolled/folded toward an outside edge 480 (see FIG. 4B) of the cookingvessel 460 to provide an opening 490 (see FIG. 4B) at the top of thecooking vessel. FIG. 4A depicts the accordion style cooking cover 410 ina closed position and FIG. 4B depicts the accordion style cooking coverin a substantially open position. The opening 490 of the cooking vessel460 may be varied by folding or unfolding the jointed portions 440 and450 until the opening is of a desired size. By virtue of varying theopening 490 of the cooking vessel 460, a user may adjust the position ofthe accordion style cooking cover 410 based on desired heat and cookingpreferences (in a manner described above in FIGS. 2A/2B and 3A/3B).

While the accordion style cooking cover 410 has been described above ashaving the two jointed portions 440 and 450 and each of the jointedportions having a plurality of sections 420, other variations of theaccordion style cooking cover are contemplated and considered within thescope of this present disclosure. For example, in an alternativeembodiment, the accordion style cooking cover 410 may be a single hingedcover that gets rolled/folded towards a single edge/side of the cookingvessel 460. In other embodiments, the accordion style cooking cover 410may be made of more than two of the jointed portions 440 and 450 andeach of the jointed portions may include a plurality of sections (suchas the plurality of sections 420) connected flexibly with respect to oneanother. Additionally, in some embodiments, the accordion style cookingcover 410 may not be attached to the cooking vessel 460 at all and may,rather, simply rest on top of the cooking vessel. Othervariations/configurations of the accordion style cooking cover 410 arealso envisioned, and the description is not intended to be limited bythe specific configuration of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Furthermore, in at least some embodiments and as shown, each of theplurality of sections 420 of the accordion style cooking cover 410 aremade of a ferrous material. In other embodiments, less than all of theplurality of sections 420 may be made of a ferrous material with theremaining ones of the plurality of sections being made of a non-ferrousmaterial. Likewise, in at least some embodiments, at least a portion ofthe cooking vessel 460 may be made from a non-ferrous material. Again,the combination of the ferrous and non-ferrous material in the pluralityof sections 420, as well as in the cooking vessel 460 depends upon theheating profile that is desired. By virtue of making at least some ofthe plurality of sections 420 of the accordion style cooking cover 410of a ferrous material, the accordion style cooking cover may be heatedby an electromagnetic radiation source 495, in a manner described above.

Moreover, while not shown, the induction cooking system 400 may beprovided with one or more handles (e.g., similar to the handle 150 ofFIGS. 1A/1B) and one or more induction heating elements (e.g., similarto the induction heating elements 140 of FIGS. 1A/1B).

Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, yet another embodiment of an inductioncooking system 500 is shown, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure. The induction cooking system 500includes a cooking vessel 510 and a frame 520 attached to or resting ona top perimeter 530 of the cooking vessel. The frame 520 is configuredto receive one or more cover elements 540, in accordance with at leastsome embodiments. The frame 520 itself may be made of a ferrous ornon-ferrous material, depending up on the implementation and the heatingprofile desired. For example, FIG. 5A shows the frame 520 as being madeof a ferrous material, while FIG. 5B shows the frame as being made of anon-ferrous material.

Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the frame 520 may be designedto be detachable from the cooking vessel 510, or in some embodiments,the frame may be permanently mounted on the cooking vessel.Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the cooking vessel 510 maybe made of a non-ferrous material, while in other embodiments, a portionof the cooking vessel may be made of a ferrous material. Again, theferrous/non-ferrous material combination of the cooking vessel 510 andthe frame 520 depends upon the heating profile that is desired.Furthermore, the size of the frame 520 may vary from one embodiment toanother depending upon the size of the cover elements 540 that the framemay receive and support.

In at least some embodiments, the cover elements 540 may include acombination of ferrous elements 550 that are made of a ferrous materialand non-ferrous elements 560 that are made of a non-ferrous material. Inother embodiments, all of the cover elements 540 may be made of aferrous material. Further, while FIG. 5B shows the cover elements 540 ashaving two of the ferrous elements 550 and two of the non-ferrouselements 560, this is merely exemplary. The number of the ferrouselements 550 and the non-ferrous elements 560 may vary depending uponthe heating profile that is desired. Additionally, in at least someembodiments, instead of using the non-ferrous elements 560, portions ofthe cooking vessel 510 may be left uncovered such that gaps may existbetween the ferrous elements 550. Alternatively, in some embodiments, acombination of the ferrous elements 550, the non-ferrous elements 560,and uncovered spaces may be used.

Furthermore, a user may arrange the ferrous elements 550, thenon-ferrous elements 560, and the open spaces to achieve a desiredheating profile. Also, the number of the cover elements 540, theirshape, their placement/orientation are all variable subject to thedesired cooking style and needs of the user. Moreover, in at least someembodiments, the cover elements 540 may be detachably connected in anyof a variety of ways to the frame 520, while in other embodiments, thecover elements may be permanently attached or built-in to the frame. Thecover elements 540 and particularly the ferrous elements 550 of thecover elements receive electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source570. The radiation source 570 is similar to the radiation source 130,240, 340, and 495.

Additionally, as discussed above, the induction cooking system 500 mayinclude one of more handles and/or one or more induction heatingelements, as described above in FIGS. 1A and 1B, to achieve desiredheating profiles.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a cooking cover 600 is shown, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically,the cooking cover 600 is a transformable cooking cover. In at least someembodiments, the cooking cover 600 is made from a ferrous material. Inother embodiments, at least a portion of the cooking cover 600 may bemade from a non-ferrous material. In a first configuration and as shown,the cooking cover 600 is a square cooking cover 610, and in a secondconfiguration, the square cooking cover is transformed into a circularcooking cover 620. Notwithstanding the transformation of the cookingcover 600 from the square cooking cover 610 to the circular cookingcover 620, various other shapes and configurations of the cooking cover,both before and after the transformation are contemplated and consideredwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

The transformation of the cooking cover 600 from one configuration toanother may be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example and in oneembodiment, the cooking cover 600 includes a plurality of hingedportions (not shown) that allow the cooking cover to be configured intoa plurality of distinct shapes by varying the shape and size of thehinged portions (e.g., by folding/unfolding the hinged portions similarto the accordion style cooking cover 410, discussed above). Thus, totransform the square cooking cover 610 into the circular cooking cover620, a hinged corner portion of each of the corners of the squarecooking cover may be folded inward onto/over a remainder of the cookingcover such that circular portions of the circular cooking cover 620 areobtained. The circular cooking cover 620 may be transformed back intothe square cooking cover 610 by unfolding the previously folded hingedportions.

Another mechanism of transforming the cooking cover 600 from oneconfiguration to another may include sliding cover sections (also notshown). In such embodiments, the cooking cover 600 includes a pluralityof cover sections capable of sliding over or under neighboring coversections. As such, the cover sections may be layered until the desiredshape/configuration of the cooking cover 600 is attained. For example,to transform the square cooking cover 610 into the circular cookingcover 620, the corner sections of the square cooking cover 610 may beslid under or over neighboring cover sections until the cooking coverachieves a circular shape of the circular cooking cover 620.

In some embodiments, the cooking cover 600 itself may be made of aplurality of layered sections such that the square cooking cover 610 maybe transformed into the circular cooking cover 620 by sliding coversections in between an upper and a lower layer of the cooking cover toform the circular cooking cover. In yet other embodiments, the cookingcover 600 may include a frame (e.g., similar to the frame 520). Theframe may be made out of various flexible frame portions that may bemolded (e.g., by varying the frame portions relative to one another)into various shapes. The frame may be designed to receive variousferrous and non-ferrous cover elements (e.g., similar to the coverelements 540). The cover elements may themselves be made of flexibleportions that may change shape to adapt to the shape of the frame or avariety of sizes of the cover elements may be provided to accommodatethe various shapes that the frame may be molded into. Other suchmechanisms of varying the shape of the cooking cover 600 arecontemplated.

By virtue of using transformable cooking covers (e.g., the cooking cover600), the present disclosure allows a user to convert existingnon-ferrous cooking vessels of varying shapes into induction cookingsystems at a minimal cost. In addition, by targeting electromagneticradiation on top of the cooking vessel and cover, such transformablecooking covers can be used to convert an existing ferrous cooking vesselinto an induction cooking system.

Again, it is to be understood that while the explanation above has beenwith respect to the square cooking cover 610 transforming into thecircular cooking cover 620, in alternative embodiments, the cookingcover 600 may be configured from and into additional shapes, such asrectangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc.

Thus, the embodiments described herein allow significant flexibility tobe achieved in the process of induction cooking. The cooking vessel maybe non-ferrous and in any of a variety of shapes, including a cylinder,cube, parallelepiped, or other shape. By virtue of using the embodimentsdescribed herein, the cooking vessel does not need to be made from aspecial and expensive cooking metal. Additionally, a household (orcommercial) kitchen may have a large number of cooking vessels that maybe made of, for example, a heat resistant plastic. In one embodiment,these heat resistant plastic cooking vessels may be stackable and/orpartially foldable. By virtue of using the embodiments described herein,foods cooked in such heat resistant plastic containers may berefrigerated or frozen in the same container in which the food is cooked(e.g., using the ferrous cooking covers described above). There is noneed to transfer the food from a ferrous cooking pot to a differentcontainer, which is the norm in conventional cooking methods, therebysimplifying not only cooking, but also food storage, while reducing thenumbers of dishes that need to be cleaned after cooking.

As discussed above, the cooking vessels described herein may be ofvarious shapes and sizes, and may be formed of a heat resistant glass,plastic, or wood, for example. Other non-ferrous materials may also beused. In at least some embodiments, the cooking vessels may in factinclude certain ferrous portions (e.g., incorporated within the cookingvessel during production). In other embodiments, existing non-ferrouscooking vessels may be transformed into induction heat suitable cookingvessels, as discussed below. The transformation of a cooking vesselunsuitable for induction cooking into a cooking vessel suitable forinduction cooking may be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, inone embodiment, the cooking vessel may be configured to receiveinduction heating elements (e.g., ferrous pieces) at a plurality ofdifferent locations in and around the cooking vessel. In these cases,the walls of the cooking vessel may receive induction heating elementsvia hooks or other attachment mechanisms. The cooking vessel may alsoreceive the induction heating elements through one or more openingsand/or compartments in a wall of the cooking vessel.

Specifically referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a cooking vessel 700includes induction heating elements 710, in accordance with at leastsome embodiments of the present disclosure. The induction heatingelements 710, in at least some embodiments, are mounted to a wall of thecooking vessel 700. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, theinduction heating elements 710 may be mounted to the wall of the cookingvessel 700 via hooks or any other attachment mechanism. Furthermore, theinduction heating elements 710 may be permanently or detachably mountedto the wall of the cooking vessel 700.

Notwithstanding the fact that the induction heating elements 710 havebeen shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B on only one wall of the cooking vessel700, this is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the inductionheating elements 710 may be mounted to more than one wall of the cookingvessel 700. Furthermore, the number of the induction heating elements710 that may be mounted to one or more walls of the cooking vessel 700may vary from one embodiment to another depending upon the heatingprofile that is desired. Likewise, the shape, size, thickness,positioning, and angular orientation of the induction heating elements710 may vary. Additionally, the induction heating elements 710 may bemounted to an interior wall of the cooking vessel 700 or alternativelyor additionally, the induction heating elements may be mounted to anexterior wall of the cooking vessel.

In at least some embodiments, the cooking vessel 700 also includes slots720 through which additional induction heating elements may be added tothe cooking vessel to customize the heating profile of the cookingvessel. FIG. 7A illustrates two such induction heating slots, however,fewer or additional slots may be used in alternative embodiments. Alsoand similar to the induction heating elements 710, while the slots 720have been shown on only one wall of the cooking vessel 700, in otherembodiments, the slots may be provided one multiple walls of the cookingvessel to tailor the heating profile of the cooking vessel.Additionally, the placement, orientation, shape, and size of the slots720 may differ in alternative embodiments.

In one embodiment, the slots 720 may be openings in a wall of thecooking vessel 700 into which induction heating elements may be placedinto direct contact with the contents of the cooking vessel. Theinduction heating elements may be received within the openings of theslots 720 in any of a variety of ways that may be suitable. In someembodiments, the openings in the wall may include a door or otherclosable member to receive the induction heating elements. The slots 720may, in some embodiments, also include notches in which the inductionheating elements may be removably attached. In other embodiments, theslots 720 may be designed as compartments, which hold the inductionheating elements. Doors may similarly be used to close the compartmentssuch that the induction heating elements do not fall out if the cookingvessel 700 is moved. The induction heating elements may also be mountedvia hooks or other attachment mechanisms in some embodiments. Acombination of methods discussed above or other methods may be used tosecure the induction heating elements. The embodiment of FIG. 7A depictsthe slots 720 without induction heating elements. FIG. 7B depictsinduction heating elements 730 placed into the slots 720.

As discussed above, “induction heating elements” pieces of metal subjectto heating by induction, inserted or removed from a non-ferrous cookingvessel to enable heating to take place in a targeted and controlledmanner. Specifically and as discussed in greater detail above, the“induction heating elements” may be composed of a material that mayfacilitate heating of the “induction heating elements” using anelectromagnetic radiation source. Depending upon the application forwhich the “induction heating elements” are used, the “induction heatingelements” may be designed to be suitable for that application. Forexample, if the “induction heating elements” are used for inductioncooking, then the “induction heating elements” may be composed of amaterial or be positioned in a manner that is suitable for cooking andfor being around food safely without poisoning the food.

Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the same induction heatingelement(s) that are used to cook the food may be allowed to remain inthe cooking vessel when the leftover food is refrigerated or frozen.When the food is to be reheated, the cooking vessel and inductionheating element(s) may be simply placed on an induction stove (or otherelectromagnetic radiation source) for the radiation to heat theinduction heating element(s), thereby reheating the food without theneed to transfer the food from one container to another. The containerin which the food is stored can be non-ferrous container such as coatedcardboard. The user therefore does not have to utilize a cooking vesselthat may be needed for other food preparation purposes in order to havethis convenience.

Again and discussed above, the shape, size, and material of the cookingvessel 700 may vary from one embodiment to another. Additionally, thecooking vessel 700 need not always be a container type vessel. In atleast some embodiments, the cooking vessel 700 may be a pan, bowl, orother type of non-ferrous vessel, or a tray as discussed in FIG. 8below. Further, while not shown, the cooking vessel 700 may include oneor more handles, as well as other features (e.g., venting holes) thatcooking vessels typically have. Additionally, the cooking vessel 700 mayhave suspended induction heating element(s) within the cooking vessel,such as those discussed in FIGS. 1A and 1B above.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an induction smoker tray 800 is shown, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Theinduction smoker tray 800 includes a plurality of receptacles 810 intowhich wood chips/pieces 820 may be placed. In one embodiment, theinduction smoker tray 800 may be made of a non-ferrous material and thereceptacles 810 may be made of a ferrous material, such that the woodchips/pieces 820 in the receptacles are heated with an electromagneticheating source (not shown). Alternatively, the induction smoker tray 800may be made of a ferrous material and the receptacles 810 may be made ofa non-ferrous material. In yet another alternative embodiment, both theinduction smoker tray 800 and the receptacles 810 may be made from aferrous material or portions of the smoker tray and the receptacles maybe made of a ferrous material with the remaining portions being made ofa non-ferrous material. Upon application of electromagnetic radiation tothe induction smoker tray 800, the wood chips/pieces 820 are heated togenerate smoke, which may be used to cook and/or impart flavor ontofood. The use of the receptacles 810 allows for selective heating (i.e.,some receptacles may include wood chips/pieces and others may be leftempty), which is not possible in a traditional flame based smoker.

Notwithstanding the fact that FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of thereceptacles 810 in a certain way, this is merely exemplary. The shape,size, orientation, and placement of the receptacles 810 may vary fromone embodiment to another. Likewise, while FIG. 8 has been described ashaving the wood chips/pieces 820 in the receptacles 810, in otherembodiments, at least some of those receptacles may be filled with othertypes of materials such as flavor capsules, other foods, chemicals, etc.that impart a desired flavor to the food. Alternatively, at least aportion of the receptacles may be left empty.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, yet another type of a cooking vessel 900is shown, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The cooking vessel 900 includes an induction heating element910. Similar to the cooking vessels discussed above, the cooking vessel900 is composed of a non-ferrous material such that heat from anelectromagnetic radiation source 920 is delivered to the contents of thecooking vessel through the induction heating element 910. In otherembodiments, the cooking vessel 900 may be a combination of ferrous andnon-ferrous material in which case, heat is delivered to the contents ofthe cooking vessel via the ferrous portions of the cooking vessel andthe induction heating element 910. Again, the shape, size,configuration, and features of the cooking vessel 900 may vary from thatshown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

With respect to the induction heating element 910 in particular, it maybe a mobile induction heating element capable of being positioned in avariety of positions. For example, FIG. 9A depicts the induction heatingelement 910 in a first orientation relative to both a wall of thecooking vessel 900 and to the electromagnetic radiation source 920. FIG.9B depicts the induction heating element 910 in a second orientationrelative to both the wall of the cooking vessel 900 and to theelectromagnetic radiation source 920. While FIGS. 9A and 9B show twoorientations of the induction heating element 910, various otherorientations of the induction heating element are contemplated andconsidered within the scope of the present disclosure. In oneembodiment, the induction heating element(s) can be automated and moveby themselves such that the cook does not need to periodically stir thefood. The motion of the induction heating elements will distribute heatthrough conduction and convection. Such automation can be achievedthrough the use of miniature servo-motors, through a controlled magnet,etc.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the induction heating element 910 isattached to the wall of the cooking vessel 900 via a hook and latchattachment (not shown) at an upper portion of the induction heatingelement that allows the induction heating element to rotate about ahorizontal axis. As such, the induction heating element 910 is able topivot from its position in FIG. 9A upward to the position shown in FIG.9B and to many other configurations. In an alternative embodiment, theupper portion of the induction heating element 910 is secured to thewall of the cooking vessel 900 via a pivot rod or any other mechanismthat allows the mobile induction heating element to pivot about an axis.While the description above describes motion of the induction heatingelement 910 about a horizontal axis, in at least some embodiments, theinduction heating element may be configured to pivot about a verticalaxis or at an angular axis, as may be deemed suitable. As mentionedabove and discussed again below, the orientation of the inductionheating element with respect to the electromagnetic radiation source maybe varied to vary the heat intensity delivered by the induction heatingelement to the cooking vessel 900.

Furthermore, the orientation of the induction heating element 910 may bevaried automatically by using a spring mechanism 930 attached to theinduction heating element. The spring mechanism 930 includes a spring940 attached to the induction heating element 910. In one embodiment,the spring mechanism 930 is configured to release the induction heatingelement 910 (e.g., to vary the orientation of the induction heatingelement) if a temperature in the cooking vessel 900 is, for example,less than a threshold temperature. The temperature in the cooking vessel900 may be determined by a temperature sensor (not shown) in the cookingvessel, and the spring mechanism 930 may be automatically controlled byan actuator (also not shown) that is in communication with thetemperature sensor. Upon receipt of a low temperature indication fromthe temperature sensor, the actuator may be configured to actuate thespring mechanism 930, which in turn may then move the induction heatingelement 910 from the orientation of FIG. 9A to the orientation of FIG.9B or to another orientation until the threshold temperature is attainedwithin the cooking vessel 900. Alternatively, the spring mechanism 930may be manually operated to adjust the position of the induction heatingelement 910. In such an embodiment, the spring mechanism 930 alsoincludes a handle, lever, etc. such that a user may use to manipulatethe spring 940 and thereby adjust the induction heating element 910 intodifferent orientations.

By virtue of adjusting the orientation of the induction heating element910 with respect to the electromagnetic radiation source 920, thesurface area of the induction heating element may be varied, therebyvarying the heating intensity of the induction heating element.Specifically, the orientation of the induction heating element 910relative to the electromagnetic radiation source 920 dictates the amountof heat generated by the induction heating element. For example, byorienting the induction heating element 910 into the position shown inFIG. 9B, more surface area of the induction heating element is directlyexposed to the electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from theelectromagnetic radiation source 920 located underneath the cookingvessel 900. Thus, the ability to manipulate the induction heatingelement 910 into different orientations enables a user to change theheating profile that is applied to the food and heat/cook the food moreeffectively and quickly. In at least some embodiments, the positioning,angle, and distance of the electromagnetic radiation source 920 relativeto the induction heating element 910 may be varied to vary the heatingprofile.

Notwithstanding the specific embodiment described above in FIGS. 9A and9B, variations are contemplated and considered within the scope of thepresent disclosure. For example, while the electromagnetic radiationsource 920 has been described as being situated underneath the cookingvessel 900, in at least some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiationsource may be located above and/or on one or more sides of the cookingvessel. Similarly, in other alternative embodiments, the springmechanism 930 may be replaced by any other attachment mechanism thatallows the induction heating element 910 to be manually or automaticallymoved into various orientations relative to the electromagneticradiation source 920. Additionally, when the food is cooked and a giventemperature is to be maintained, rather than increased, the springmechanism 930 may be manually or automatically retracted such that theinduction heating element 910 is no longer fully facing theelectromagnetic radiation source 920. Automatic retraction of the springmechanism 930 may be facilitated in the same manner as extending thespring mechanism by using the temperature sensor and the actuator.

Thus, by enabling the induction heating element 910 to be moved into avariety of orientations relative to the electromagnetic radiation source920, the embodiments of FIGS. 9A and 9B allow the heat delivered to thecontents of the cooking vessel 900 to be controlled based on the amountof surface area of the induction heating element 910 that is directlyexposed to the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagneticradiation source 920. Again, a larger exposed surface area generatesmore heat and, therefore, cooks food at a higher temperature, while asmaller exposed surface generated less heat and cooks food at a lowertemperature. Also, while only one of the induction heating element 910has been shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a plurality of such induction heatingelements may be provided on one or more walls of the cooking vessel 900controlled by one or an additional number of the spring mechanisms,temperature sensors, and actuators. Likewise, the size, shape, andplacement of the induction heating element 910 may vary from oneembodiment to another.

Turning now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an alternate mechanism of varying theorientation of the induction heating element of FIGS. 9A and 9B isshown, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Specifically, FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a cut-away view of aninduction heating element 1000 mounted on a wall 1010 of a cookingvessel 1020, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Only portions and features of the cooking vessel 1020 thatare necessary for a proper understanding of the present embodiment areshown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Nevertheless, as discussed with respect toFIGS. 9A and 9B above, the cooking vessel 1020 includes one or moretemperature sensors, one or more actuators, and at least oneelectromagnetic radiation source for heating the induction heatingelement 1000. Likewise, while a single iteration of the inductionheating element 1000 is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, multiple ones of theinduction heating element may be provided on one or more walls of thecooking vessel 1020.

Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the induction heatingelement 1000 is a mobile induction heating element capable of beingoriented in varying positions relative to the electromagnetic radiationsource, not shown. The induction heating element 1000 is attached to thewall 1010 of the cooking vessel 1020 via a hook and latch attachment1030 at an upper portion of the mobile induction heating element. Thehook and latch attachment 1030 allows the induction heating element 1000to rotate about a horizontal axis. In the embodiments of FIGS. 10A and10B, a screw 1040 is used to manipulate the induction heating element1000 into a desired orientation. FIG. 10A illustrates the inductionheating element 1000 in a retracted position, and FIG. 10B illustratesthe induction heating element in a partially extended position. Thescrew 1040 may be manually or automatically manipulated, depending onthe embodiment, in a manner similar to that described above in FIGS. 9Aand 9B using the temperature sensor and the actuator.

In other embodiments, other mechanisms of controlling the orientation ofthe induction heating element 1000 may be used. For example, in someembodiments, instead of using the screw 1040, control of the inductionheating element 1000 may be effected through a bimetallic strip, throughan electronic arm in communication with a temperature (or other) sensor,etc. Furthermore, a combination of the mechanisms described above may beused within a single embodiment of the cooking vessel 1020.

Referring now to FIG. 11, yet another embodiment of a cooking vessel1100 is shown, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Specifically, the cooking vessel 1100 is configuredas a cooking cage 1110 having a cooking bar 1120 upon which food 1130may be skewered or otherwise secured for cooking. While the cooking bar1120 has been shown as being secured or otherwise mounted to the sidewalls of the cooking cage 1110, in other embodiments, the cooking barmay assume other configurations. For example, in some embodiments, thecooking bar 1120 may extend upwardly or downwardly parallel orsubstantially parallel to the side walls of the cooking cage 1110.Likewise, the cooking bar 1120 need not always be a straight bar. Thecooking bar 1120 may be curved, spiral, or assume other shapes and sizesto accommodate varying types of food items. In at least someembodiments, the cooking cage 1110 may be provided with a variety ofcombinations and configurations of cooking bars such that an appropriateone of the cooking bar 1120 may be used within the cooking cagedepending upon the food that is to be cooked.

Additionally, the cooking bar 1120 may be stationary, or it may rotate,depending on the embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the cooking bar1120 may be suspended in the cooking cage 1110 in a variety of ways,such as via hooks mounted to the cooking cage. Furthermore, in at leastsome embodiments, the walls of the cooking cage 1110 may be designed toexpand and contract, either manually or electrically. In suchembodiments, the walls of the cooking cage 1110 may be formed into anaccordion shape that may be easily compressed to reduce the size of thecooking cage, or expanded to increase the size of the cooking cage.Alternatively, the cooking cage 1110 may have walls which slidehorizontally into each other to further increase the flexibility of thecooking vessel 1100. With expandable or contractable configurations ofthe cooking cage 1110, the cooking bar 1120 may be configured to expandor contract as well. The cooking bar 1120 may be made to expand orcontract in any of a variety of ways. For example, the cooking bar 1120may be configured as portions of rods that slide within one another tovary the length thereof or the cooking bar may be made as an accordionstructure itself, so it may be stretched or compressed as desired. Othermechanisms of varying the length of the cooking bar 1120 may be used inother embodiments.

Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, in addition to or instead ofthe cooking bar 1120, the food 1130 may be supported by a ferrous ornon-ferrous food tray (not shown), depending on the amount of desiredheat. Liquids may also be cooked in this way using the cooking cage1110, and the cooking cage may be configured such that the liquid isheated from any desired direction. Foods and liquids may also be cookedtogether, and in some embodiments the food may be held in a non-ferrouscontainer inside the cooking cage 1110 or in a heat resistant bag thatmay be flexible.

The cooking cage 1110 also includes upper ferrous strips 1140 secured orotherwise attached to an upper portion of the cooking cage. The upperferrous strips 1140 are configured to generate heat and heat the food1130 from the top. In addition to the upper ferrous strips 1140, in atleast some embodiments, the cooking cage 1110 also includes lowerferrous strips 1150 that are secured or otherwise attached to a bottomportion of the cooking cage for generating heat to heat the food 1130from the bottom. The upper ferrous strips 1140 and the lower ferrousstrips 1150 generate heat by virtue of receiving electromagneticradiation from an electromagnetic radiation source 1160. In addition,the upper and lower ferrous strips are not homologous (i.e., the top andbottom strips do not line up with one another exactly). If the top andbottom strips were lined up exactly on top of one another, theelectromagnetic radiation would be absorbed by the lower strips andwould not reach the upper strips.

Similar to the cooking bar 1120, the upper ferrous strips 1140 and thelower ferrous strips 1150 may assume various different configurations.For example, the shape, size, thickness, angle, and orientation of eachof the upper ferrous strips 1140 and each of the lower ferrous strips1150 may vary from one embodiment to another, depending particularlyupon the heating profile that is desired. Additionally, while in thepresent embodiment only two of the upper ferrous strips 1140 and two ofthe lower ferrous strips 1150 have been shown, this is merely exemplary.In other embodiments, more or less than two ferrous strips may be usedin both the upper ferrous strips 1140 and the lower ferrous strips 1150.Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, additional ferrous strips maybe provided on the side walls of the cooking cage 1110. The walls of thecooking cage 1110 are non-ferrous in at least some embodiments. Thewalls of the cooking cage 1110 may also include slots, brackets, etc. tohold the additional ferrous strips such that the food 1130 may be heatedfrom the side.

Additionally, extendable heating elements (e.g., such as those describedin FIGS. 1A and 1B above) may be provided within the cooking cage 1110and/or a mobile induction heating element (such as those described inFIGS. 9A/9B and 10A/10B above) may be used. Moreover, in at least someembodiments, only either the upper ferrous strips 1140 or the lowerferrous strips 1150 may be used. Furthermore, in at least someembodiments, the upper ferrous strips 1140 and the lower ferrous strips1150 may include a non-ferrous (or non-metallic) side that faces awayfrom the food 1130, and a ferrous side that faces the food. In such anembodiment, the non-ferrous side may be clad with a heat resistantmaterial. One or both of the upper ferrous strips 1140 and the lowerferrous strips 1150 may also include a non-ferrous lip, grip,protrusion, etc. such that the ferrous strips may be better handled whenhot. Thus, a variety of configurations of the ferrous strips arecontemplated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure.Additional handles to lift or move the cooking cage 1110 may be used aswell in some embodiments.

In at least some embodiments, the cooking cage 1110 may be provided withcooking covers such as those described in FIGS. 1A-6 above. Thesecooking covers may be in addition to or instead of the upper ferrousstrips 1140 and/or the lower ferrous strips 1150.

Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the upper ferrous strips 1140and the lower ferrous strips 1150 may be separated from one another by anon-ferrous material 1170. For example, in at least some embodiments inwhich the non-ferrous material 1170 is used, the non-ferrous material isplaced between the upper ferrous strips 1140 such that the cooking cage1110 has a solid top surface. Similarly, the non-ferrous material 1170is placed between the lower ferrous strips 1150 such that the cookingcage 1110 has a solid bottom surface. In alternative embodiments, thetop and/or bottom of the cooking cage 1110 may be at least partiallyopen.

As discussed above, in embodiments in which a cage structure is used,the upper ferrous strips 1140 are offset (i.e., not directly on top of)relative to the lower ferrous strips 1150. By virtue of offsetting theupper ferrous strips 1140 from the lower ferrous strips 1150,electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source 1160may pass in between the lower ferrous strips and make contact with theupper ferrous strips, thereby making the heating of the upper ferrousstrips more effective.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the bottom of the cooking cage 1110 hasa frame into which the lower ferrous strips 1150 any non-ferrousmaterial 1170 are placed or secured. As discussed above, the non-ferrousmaterial 1170 between the lower ferrous strips 1150 allowselectromagnetic radiation to pass right through to the upper ferrousstrips 1140 that are placed directly above the lower non-ferrousmaterial and thereby offset from the lower ferrous strips. The upperferrous strips 1140 may also be mounted in a frame at the top of thecooking cage 1110. Thus, by providing the upper ferrous strips 1140, thelower ferrous strips 1150, and the cooking bar 1120, the food 1130 maybe effectively and quickly cooked within the cooking cage 1110.

Turning now to FIG. 12, an induction cooking system 1200 is shown, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.Specifically, the induction cooking system 1200 includes a non-ferrouscooking vessel 1210 having an automated placement of one or moreinduction heating elements 1220. The cooking vessel 1210 may be madepartially or entirely from a non-ferrous material. In at least someembodiments, the induction heating elements 1220 are selectivelyinserted into the cooking system 1200 to provide more heat. Theinduction heating elements 1220 may be manually or automaticallyinserted into a slot 1230 in the wall of the cooking vessel 1210. In anembodiment in which the induction heating elements 1220 areautomatically inserted, a temperature sensor (not shown) may be used inconjunction with an, also not shown, automatically controlled arm (orother actuator) that inserts/removes the induction heating elementsbased on a sensed temperature within the cooking system 1200.

For example, when inserted into the wall of the cooking vessel 1210, theinduction heating elements 1220 may absorb electromagnetic radiationfrom an electromagnetic radiation source 1240 to increase a temperatureof the cooking vessel based on a temperature reading that is below adesired value. Similarly, the induction heating elements 1220 may beremoved from the cooking vessel 1210 to maintain a desired temperatureor reduce the temperature if the temperature gets too high.

Notwithstanding the fact that in the present embodiment, a single one ofthe induction heating elements 1220 inserted into a single one of theslot 1230 has been shown, this is merely exemplary. Rather, in otherembodiments, multiple smaller ones of the induction heating elements1220 may be inserted into the slot 1230. Similarly, multiple numbers ofthe slot 1230 may be used in some embodiments, with each of the slotshaving one or more of the induction heating elements 1220. Likewise, thesize, shape, angle, and orientation of the induction heating elements1220 and the slot 1230 may vary in some embodiments as well. Also, whilethe slot 1230 and the induction heating elements 1220 have been shown ononly one wall of the cooking vessel 1210, in at least some embodiments,slots and induction heating elements may be provided on multiple wallsof the cooking vessel. Additionally, when multiple numbers of the slot1230 holding multiple numbers of the induction heating elements 1220 areused, the size, shape, angle, and orientation of each of the inductionheating element may vary to achieve the desired heating profile.Furthermore, in such cases, the insertion and removal of the inductionheating elements 1220 may be either manual, automatic, or a combinationof both. In some embodiments, additional heating elements and handles(such as those discussed in FIGS. 1A-1B) may be provided as well.

Thus, using the embodiments described herein, it is, again, apparentthat a metal cooking vessel (e.g., ferrous cooking vessel) is no longernecessary to take advantage of induction cooking. Rather, non-ferrouscontainers and cooking vessels having automated and/or manual mobilityaspects allow for much greater flexibility and control in inductioncooking. Opening and closing of induction elements in the top or base ofa container also allow for adding ingredients, placing ferrous and/ornon-ferrous sections aside, etc. In addition, heating and thensimmering, and other combinations, for example, become possible in thesame container (i.e., while multiple containers are being heating via asingle electromagnetic radiation source) without the need for multipletime-consuming transfers from one pot to another. Additionally, stirringwhile heating may become a simple automatic process since thenon-ferrous container is more amenable to the addition of electricallycontrolled devices.

The embodiments described herein make possible targeted heating andcooking in a variety of circumstances outside of conventional foodpreparation. For example, a commercial food manufacturer may have a foodproduct that consists of two or more distinct types of food, one or moreof which are to be cooked and one or more of which are not to be cooked.Instead of preparing the foods separately and then packaging them in amulti-step process, the embodiments described herein make it possible toplace ingredients/food into separate sections of a non-ferrous package,with the ingredients/food to be cooked in a compartment (orcompartments) having a readily removable ferrous element attachedthereto. Passing the package over an electromagnetic radiation sourceresults in cooking of the desired food component(s), and not cooking theother food product(s). An assembly line of such packages may result insignificant savings for the food manufacturer.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a multi-chamber cooking package 1300 is shown,in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.In at least some embodiments, the multi-chamber cooking package 1300includes a first chamber 1310 that includes food which is not to becooked, and a second chamber 1320 that includes food which is to becooked. It is to be understood that although the multi-chamber cookingpackage 1300 has been shown as having only two chambers (e.g., the firstchamber 1310 and the second chamber 1320), in other embodiments, thenumber of chambers may vary. Depending upon the number of chambersdesired, the multi-chamber cooking package may have only a singlechamber or possibly even greater than two chambers. Further, the shapeand size of each chamber within the multi-chamber cooking package 1300may vary from one embodiment to another. Likewise, the overall shape andsize of the multi-chamber cooking package 1300 may vary as well.

For facilitating the cooking of food in the second chamber 1320, thesecond chamber includes an induction heating element 1330 attached orotherwise mounted thereto. In at least some embodiments, the inductionheating element 1330 is detachable from the second chamber 1320 afterthe contents of the second chamber have been cooked. Notwithstanding thefact that in the present embodiment, a single one of the inductionheating element 1330 has been shown attached/mounted to the secondchamber 1320, in other embodiments, more than one of the inductionheating elements may be provided on one or more walls of the secondchamber. Furthermore, the shape, size, angle, and orientation of theinduction heating element 1330 may vary from one embodiment to another.Also, while the induction heating element 1330 has been shown as beingattached/mounted to an outer surface of the wall of the second chamber1320, in some embodiments, the induction heating element may be mountedto an inner surface of the wall of the second chamber.

Moreover, in at least some embodiments, an induction heating element maybe provided on the first chamber 1310 as well when the first chamberincludes contents that are to be cooked. The shape, size, orientation,number, angle, and area of attaching/mounting the induction heatingelement on the first chamber 1310 may vary from one embodiment toanother.

By virtue of providing the induction heating element 1330 on the secondchamber 1320, as the multi-chamber cooking package 1300 travels down aconveyor belt 1340 of an assembly line 1350, the multi-chamber cookingpackage may be made to pass over (or under, or by) an electromagneticradiation source 1360 that heats the induction heating element 1330,thereby cooking the contents of the second chamber 1320. In alternativeembodiments, multiple electromagnetic radiation sources may be used at anumber of different locations and orientations on the conveyor belt 1340relative to the multi-chamber cooking package 1300 to achieve a desiredheating profile. The electromagnetic radiation source 1360 may itself bemobile or stationary. Thus, in some embodiments, the multi-chambercooking package 1300 may be positioned in at least some embodiments,stationary position, while the electromagnetic radiation source 1360 maymove relative to the multi-chamber cooking package to cook contentswithin the multi-chamber cooking package.

The multi-chamber cooking package of FIG. 13 may be extended virtuallyin any manufacturing process (both cooking and non-cooking applications)in which heat is to be applied in a targeted manner. For example, FIG.14 depicts a system 1400 for sealing a parcel 1410 using inductionheating, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The parcel 1410 can be a package, container, or otherreceptacle. In at least some embodiments, the parcel 1410 is not made ofa ferrous material. Rather, the parcel 1410 includes a seam 1420 (oropening) that is to be sealed by a heat activated adhesive or plasticplaced on the seam.

To seal the parcel 1410 using induction heating, an induction heatingelement 1430 is placed on the seam 1420 and particularly, over the heatactivated adhesive or plastic on the seam. As the parcel 1410 movesalong a conveyor belt 1440 of an assembly line 1450, the parcel passesthrough (e.g., over, under, or by) an electromagnetic radiation source1460, which causes the induction heating element 1430 to heat up andmelt/activate the heat activated adhesive or plastic on the seam 1420,thereby sealing the seam of the parcel.

As the parcel 1410 moves further down the conveyor belt 1440, the heatactivated adhesive or plastic cools and hardens forming a permanent sealover the seam 1420. In at least some embodiments, the induction heatingelement 1430 may be removed from the seam 1420 to be re-used, or lefton, depending on the implementation.

Notwithstanding the embodiment of the parcel 1410 shown in FIG. 14above, many variations to the parcel are contemplated and consideredwithin the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the shape andsize of the parcel 1410 may vary. Likewise, the orientation of passingthe parcel 1410 on the conveyor belt 1440 may vary. For example, whilethe present embodiment shows the parcel 1410 moving on the conveyor belt1440 with the seam 1420 facing upward away from the conveyor belt, inother embodiments, the seam 1420 may be facing in other directions,including facing towards the conveyor belt. Also, the shape, size, andthickness of the seam 1420 may vary from one embodiment to another.Additionally, multiple numbers of the seam 1420, with each of the seamshaving an induction heating element thereon to seal the parcel 1410 maybe used in other embodiments. Intentional gaps (e.g., for venting) maybe left within the seam 1420 by strategically placing the inductionheating element 1430 on the seam. Also, similar to FIG. 13, theelectromagnetic radiation source 1460 may be stationary or mobile. It isto be understood that all items to be joined and sealed are non-ferrousin nature such that the electromagnetic radiation does not heat them aswell.

The embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 may also be extended to an objectthat is to be glued/adhered in a particular spot with another object, orto any assembly line involving a spot or sector to be heated in atargeted manner. The processes may be used to adhere/connect both smalland large objects. For example, a first body may need to be permanentlyadhered to a second body. Traditionally, such an operation would havebeen done by hand, with the first body lifted up, an adhesive, etc.,applied to the first body, and first and second bodies brought intocontact with one another to be secured. Nowadays, such an operation maybe carried out by a number of complicated and expensive roboticmachines. Even using modern machines, the first body must be lifted and,after the adhering/affixing operation takes place, replaced. In somecircumstances, movement of the first body relative to the second bodymay be harmful to the contents and/or composition of the first body.Using the embodiments described herein, an induction heating element maybe placed at an interface between the first body and the second body toenable the adhering/affixing process to take place in a predictable,controlled manner. Such a process is less costly than traditionalmethods and results in less disturbance to the first body, which isaffixed to the second body. The adhering process may be the result ofusing induction heat for fusing plastic surfaces to one another,activating a dry glue placed between the two surfaces, melting a solderbetween the two surfaces, etc. One such embodiment is described in FIG.15 below.

Turning now to FIG. 15, a system 1500 for assembling components of aproduct 1510 using induction heating is shown, in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the present disclosure. The product 1510includes a first body 1520 that is to be attached to a second body 1530.An induction heating element (not visible) is placed at the interfacebetween the first body 1520 and the second body 1530. Specifically, insome embodiments, the induction heating element is placed to cover onlya portion of the interface, and the remainder of the interface iscovered by an adhesive or other material such as glue, plastic, solder,etc., to facilitate the attachment of the first body 1520 to the secondbody 1530 at the interface. In other embodiments, the induction heatingelement is placed to cover substantially all of the interface betweenthe first body 1520 and the second body 1530. The portion of theinterface that is covered by the induction heating element may bedependent upon the shape, size, number, angle, and orientation of theinduction heating element, as well as the shape and size of the firstbody 1520 and the second body 1530, and the type ofadhesive/solder/plastic used in the interface to attach the first bodyto the second body.

By virtue of using the induction heating element, the first body 1520may be attached to the second body 1530 using induction heat.Specifically, the product 1510 is moved down a conveyor belt 1540 of anassembly line 1550 and as the product passes through (e.g., over, under,or by) an electromagnetic radiation source 1560, the electromagneticradiation source heats the induction heating element. The heatedinduction heating element in turn melts/heats the adhesive or othermaterial at the interface of the first body 1520 and the second body1530 such that the first body is attached to the second body.

Again and as discussed in FIG. 14 above, variations to the product 1510,the first body 1520, the second body 1530, the conveyor belt 1540, andthe induction heating element are contemplated and considered within thescope of the present disclosure. For example, the conveyor belt 1540 maybe linear or non-linear (e.g., curved or circular), depending on theimplementation. Furthermore, while the present disclosure has beendescribed as having the first body 1520 and the second body 1530, inother embodiments, more than two components of the product 1510 may beattached using the disclosure herein. Furthermore, the embodiments ofFIG. 15 may be extended to a multiplicity of affixing/adheringoperations, to processes involving human and/or robotic actions, todifferent methods of controlling the movements, at a variety of speeds,etc.

Often it is necessary to add heat to a glue joint to disassemble anobject. The embodiments may also be used to sever connections betweenbodies in alternative embodiments. For example, two items held togetherby solder or glue can be separated by placing an induction element atthe joint and training an electromagnetic source on the element. Such aprocess is much safer than a flame. Also, the electromagnetic radiationsource 1560 may be mobile or stationary. For example, in one embodiment,the electromagnetic radiation source can be a handheld battery poweredunit. As noted above, use of a flame is dangerous and can damage theobject being disassembled. In practice, a ferrous heating element isplaced adjacent to the joint or encompassing the joint. Placing theradiation source proximate to the joint will help to ensure that onlythe joint is heated. Should there be ferrous metal near the joint, theprocess can be modified to avoid heating the nearby ferrous metal.Specifically, a long ferrous heating element can be used, with one endof the long ferrous heating element touching or encompassing the jointand the other end of the long ferrous heating element proximate to theradiation source. In such an implementation, the radiation source ismore distant from the joint and the radiation can be targeted to heatthe far end of the heating element. The remainder of the heating element(including the portion in contact with the joint) will heat viaconduction such that the joint is heated for disassembly. In general,the above approaches can be used whenever something has to be melted.

Referring now to FIG. 16, another implementation of an affixingoperation is shown, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Specifically, the affixing operation of FIG. 16includes a sheet of carbon fiber material to which a device made of hardplastic is to be affixed. Ferrous metal screws (or other fasteners) areplaced into prepared holes/openings, and the product is passed by anelectromagnetic radiation source that expands the screw, melts theplastic and carbon fiber, and creates a permanent interlocking interfacebetween the carbon fiber material and the device. These concepts may beextended to implementations in which the product is on a conveyor belt,in which the product is stationary and the electromagnetic radiationsource passes over, under, or by the product either manually orautomatically, where the electromagnetic radiation source and/or theproduct are moved in accordance with a control program, etc. In anotherembodiment, the affixing operations can be used in the building industryin situations where one surface is to be affixed to another surface. Forexample, small heating elements can be placed together with heatactivated adhesives or adhesives enclosed in readily melted capsules.When the two surfaces are in place, passing an electromagnetic sourcenearby will activate the adhesive and affix the surfaces. In oneimplementation, the radiation source can be attached to a drone whichcan easily traverse the area in a readily controlled manner.

Thus, FIG. 16 depicts another system 1600 of assembling components of aproduct 1610 using induction heat, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure. The product 1610, in at leastsome embodiments, includes a carbon fiber component 1620 and a plasticcomponent 1630 to be attached to the carbon fiber component. The shape,size, and orientation of one or both of the carbon fiber component 1620and the plastic component 1630 may vary from one embodiment to another.Screws 1640 are placed into aligned holes 1650 in both the carbon fibercomponent 1620 and the plastic component 1630. Alternatively, othertypes of fasteners, rods, etc. other than the screws 1640 may be used.Further, the location, and orientation of the screws 1640 and thecorresponding holes 1650 may vary from one embodiment to anotherdepending upon the type of assembling that is desired. Additionally,although two of the screws 1640 are illustrated in FIG. 16, it should beunderstood that additional or fewer screws may be used in alternativeembodiments.

Notwithstanding the fact that in the present embodiment, the carbonfiber component 1620 is shown as being assembled to the plasticcomponent 1630, this is merely exemplary. Rather, in other embodiments,any type of components (of any type of non-ferrous material) that are tobe assembled together using screws or other type of fasteners capable ofbeing heated may benefit from the embodiments described herein.

Specifically, to assemble the carbon fiber component 1620 and theplastic component 1630 using the screws 1640, an electromagneticradiation source 1660 is used. In at least some embodiments, theelectromagnetic radiation source 1660 is positioned under the holes 1650causing the screws 1640 to heat up. As the screws 1640 heat up from theelectromagnetic radiation source 1660, the screws expand and melt aportion of the carbon fiber component 1620 and a portion of the plasticcomponent 1630 surrounding the screws. The melting of the carbon fibercomponent 1620 and the plastic component 1630 causes the plasticcomponent to be attached to both the screws 1640 and the carbon fibercomponent. The carbon fiber component 1620 is, likewise, attached to thescrews 1640 and the plastic component 1630, thereby assembling thecarbon fiber component and the plastic component together.

While the electromagnetic radiation source 1660 has been shown as beingpositioned under the carbon fiber component 1620 and specifically underthe holes 1650, the positioning of the electromagnetic radiation sourcemay vary in other embodiments. For example, the electromagneticradiation source 1660 may be positioned over, at the sides of, or at anangle relative to the holes 1650. Additionally, the electromagneticradiation source 1660 may be mobile or stationary (relative to theproduct 1610) depending on the embodiment and specifically, the heatprofile that is desired and the location/orientation of the screws 1640.The product 1610 may also be mobile or stationary relative to theelectromagnetic radiation source 1660. In at least some otherembodiments, one or more additional induction heating elements (i.e., inaddition to the screws 1640) may be used to assist in melting thematerials (e.g., the carbon fiber component 1620 and the plasticcomponent 1630) together. Further, although not shown, one or both ofthe product 1610 and the electromagnetic radiation source 1660 may bepositioned on a conveyor belt.

In addition to connecting or assembling components together, theembodiments described herein may also be used for food packaging.Specifically, the use of food packaging as an integral part of theheating/cooking process becomes possible using the embodiments describedherein. Referring specifically to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a food packagingsystem 1700 is shown, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. While the food packaging system 1700 is shown asa rectangular box in FIG. 17, it is to be understood that differentshapes, sizes, and configurations of food packaging are also envisioned.In at least some embodiments, the food packaging system 1700 includesbuilt in slots 1710 (FIG. 17A) into which induction heating elements1720 (FIG. 17B) are inserted. Specifically, the food packaging system1700 has the slots 1710 into which the induction heating elements 1720may be placed by a purchaser/user of the food packaging system 1700 toheat/cook the food therein. It is to be understood that although onlytwo of the slots 1710 are shown in FIG. 17A, additional or fewer slotsmay be used in other embodiments, with each of the slots being designedto receive one or more of the induction heating elements 1720. The slots1710 may also vary in size and/or shape.

The slots 1710 may be configured to receive a standard sized inductionheating element (e.g., the induction heating elements 1720) or otherpiece of ferrous metal such that the food may be heated/cooked right inthe package in which the food is purchased. As a result, the food may beconveniently cooked by placing the food packaging system 1700 on aninduction cooktop (or other electromagnetic radiation source). In atleast some embodiments, the food packaging system 1700 is made from anon-ferrous heat resistant material. In one embodiment, the foodpackaging system 1700 (as purchased) may include the induction heatingelements 1720 in or around the packaging system such that the user doesnot have to place the induction heating elements into the food packagingsystem. In another embodiment, through placement of the inductionheating elements 1720, only a portion of the food in the food packagingsystem 1700 is heated at a time, and the remaining food may be left inthe food packaging system and placed in the refrigerator until theremaining food is to be reheated. This may all be done without removingthe food from the food packaging system or needing to transfer to a potto cook the food in. In another embodiment, the food packaging system1700 itself may acts as a cooking vessel. For example, the foodpackaging system 1700 may include a dry food product which is to becooked in water. Water may be added to the food packaging system 1700and the food packaging system may be placed on an induction stove (orother electromagnetic radiation source) such that electromagneticradiation heats one or more induction heating elements in or around thefood packaging.

In at least some embodiments, the induction heating elements 1720 (andother induction heating elements described in this disclosure) mayinclude a non-ferrous portion that does not get directly heated as aresult of receiving electromagnetic radiation. The non-ferrous portionmay be used to handle/remove an induction heating element that is hot.The non-ferrous portion may be made of ceramic or another heat resistantmaterial, and may be in the form of a lip, an edge, a grip, a handle,etc. FIGS. 18A-18C depict exemplary induction heating elements havingnon-ferrous portions, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

Specifically, FIG. 18A depicts an induction heating element 1800 havinga ferrous portion 1810 and a non-ferrous lip 1820 that may be used tohandle the induction heating element when the ferrous portion 1810 ishot. FIG. 18B depicts an induction heating element 1830 having a ferrousportion 1840 and a non-ferrous edge 1850 surrounding at least a portionof the ferrous portion such that the non-ferrous edge may be used tohandle the induction heating element when the ferrous portion is hot.FIG. 18C depicts an induction heating element 1860 having a ferrousportion 1870 and non-ferrous grips 1880 (only one of which is visible inFIG. 18C) that may be used to handle the induction heating element whenthe ferrous portion is hot. While only a single one of the non-ferrousgrips 1880 is visible in FIG. 18C, it is envisioned that the inductionheating element 1860 includes at least a second one of the gripsopposite the illustrated grip. In alternative embodiments, additionalnumber of the non-ferrous grips 1880 may be used.

It is to be understood that while the induction heating elements 1800,1830, and 1860 have been shown and described as having a certainconfiguration, this is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, theproportion of the ferrous portion relative to the non-ferrous portionmay vary in the induction heating elements. Likewise, the shape and sizeof the induction heating elements may vary from one embodiment toanother depending upon what is desired. Additionally, the type of thenon-ferrous portion (e.g., the non-inductive lip 1820, the non-inductiveedge 1850, and the non-inductive grips 1880) may vary from oneembodiment to another. For example, the induction heating element 1800of FIG. 18A may be configured with the non-inductive edge 1850 inaddition to or instead of the non-inductive lip 1820. Thus, more thanone type of non-ferrous portions may be used in any embodiment of theinduction heating element. Furthermore, only three types of thenon-ferrous portions have been described herein. Rather, in otherembodiments, various other configurations of the non-ferrous portions,such as handles, rims, notches, etc., are contemplated.

Turning now to FIGS. 19A-19D, circuit switches 1900 are shown, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Aswill be described further below, the circuit switches 1900 are triggeredby an electromagnetic radiation source. Specifically, in at least someembodiments, a bimetallic strip is used to implement controls inconjunction with the electromagnetic radiation source.

To use the bimetallic strip to control the circuit switches 1900, in atleast some embodiments, at least a portion of the bimetallic strip isconfigured to bend in a predetermined direction in response to beingheating by the electromagnetic radiation source. Bending in thepredetermined direction may result in the bimetallic strip going from alinear state to a curved state, or from a curved state to a linearstate, depending on the implementation. Such bending of the bimetallicstrip may open/close an electrical circuit in response toapplication/removal of the electromagnetic radiation source heating thebimetallic strip (which heats up in the presence of this radiation) orremoving the source of heat. This will turn the circuit switches 1900 onor off as desired.

Furthermore, the electromagnetic radiation source may be remotelycontrolled such that the bending of the bimetallic switch may beremotely controlled and the switch (e.g., the circuit switches 1900) maybe turned on/off from a remote location. This adds flexibility to theability to control the flow of current in a circuit. The on/off featureenables the control of all fluid motion. The use of targetedelectromagnetic radiation (as opposed to relying solely on ambienttemperature to enact a change in the bimetallic strip) greatly expandsthe utility of such bimetallic strips and enables the use of smallerversions, while demonstrating the bending effect as a result oftemperature changes.

Thus, FIGS. 19A and 19B depict a first circuit 1910 having a bimetallicstrip 1920 that acts a switch for the first circuit. In the embodimentof FIG. 19A, the bimetallic strip 1920 is cool (or otherwise not heatedby an electromagnetic radiation source 1930 (see FIG. 19B)), resultingin the bimetallic strip having a linear (e.g., straight or non-curved)shape that results in the first circuit 1910 being closed or on (i.e.,current may flow through the first circuit 1910 because the bimetallicstrip 1920 completes the first circuit). In FIG. 19B, theelectromagnetic radiation source 1930 is used to apply electromagneticradiation to the bimetallic strip 1920. As a result, the bimetallicstrip 1920 becomes heated and temporarily assumes a non-linear (e.g.,curved) shape, which results in an open circuit such that current cannotflow through the first circuit 1910 (i.e., the first circuit is off).The electromagnetic radiation source 1930 may be remotely or locallycontrolled, depending on the implementation. Thus, by virtue of usinginduction heat to control the bending of the bimetallic strip 1920, thecircuit switch formed by the first circuit 1910 may be controlled.

FIGS. 19C and 19D depict a second circuit 1940 having a bimetallic strip1950 that acts a switch for the second circuit. In the embodiment ofFIG. 19C, the bimetallic strip 1950 is cool (or otherwise not heated byan electromagnetic radiation source 1960), resulting in the bimetallicstrip having a linear shape that results in the second circuit 1940being off (i.e., current does not flow through the second circuitbecause the position of the bimetallic strip results in an opencircuit). On the other hand, in FIG. 19D, the electromagnetic radiationsource 1960 is used to apply electromagnetic radiation to the bimetallicstrip 1950. As a result, the bimetallic strip 1950 gets heated up andassumes a non-linear shape which results in a closed circuit such thatcurrent flows through the second circuit 1940 (i.e., the circuit is on).The electromagnetic radiation source 1960 may be remotely or locallycontrolled, depending on the implementation, to remotely or locallycontrol the operation of the switch formed by the second circuit 1940.

Thus, the bimetallic strips 1920 and 1950 may be used to activate ordeactivate a switch. Although not discussed specifically, such a switchcircuit may, in addition to the bimetallic strip, also includeresistors, capacitors, battery sources, etc. Other electricalcomponents, although not shown or discussed, may be provided in thecircuit switches 1900 in other embodiments.

The targeted heating of a ferrous metal via induction heating may alsobe used to form a detector device. For example, in one embodiment, apackage may claim to only include food or edible material. A detectionsystem may be used to check the package for ferrous material that isbeing smuggled in the package or that otherwise inadvertently made itsway into the package. If the package is placed near an electromagneticradiation source, the package increases in temperature, therebyproviding an indication that the package includes ferrous material. Theincrease in temperature may be detected directly by placing atemperature sensor on or near the package, or indirectly based onemitted infrared radiation from the package. Such a method may eliminatethe use of an X-ray detector (and its associated harmful rays) in atleast some detection scenarios.

To that end, FIG. 20 depicts a detection system 2000, in accordance withat least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The detectionsystem 2000 includes an electromagnetic radiation source 2010 that isconfigured to emit radiation toward a package 2020. The package 2020 maybe moving on a conveyor belt or may be stationary, depending on theimplementation. Upon application of the electromagnetic radiation fromthe electromagnetic radiation source 2010, a piece of ferrous material2030 inside the package 2020 generates heat, causing the package toincrease in temperature and generate infrared radiation. A sensor, notshown, may be used to detect the increase in temperature and/or theinfrared radiation. Upon detection of the heat/infrared radiation and,assuming that the package 2020 is not supposed to contain any ferrousmaterial, the detection system 2000 may generate a warning or alert toinform a user (e.g., inspector) that the package contains a piece offerrous material (e.g., the ferrous material 2030) and may need furtherinspection.

Targeted induction heating may also be used to heat certain laboratoryequipment used in experiments. Chemists, students, laboratorytechnicians, etc. often carry out experiments that require one or morecontents of a test tube, flask, or other laboratory equipment to beheated. The contents of such equipment are traditionally heated by thechemist, student, lab technician, etc. holding the equipment over aBunsen burner or other open flame. Use of such an open flame isdangerous, and may result in burns and/or unintentional fires. Toimprove safety, an induction heating element may be attached to orincorporated into the laboratory equipment.

For example, in one embodiment, an induction heating element may beimplanted into the glass of the test tube, flask, or other laboratoryequipment during production. Upon application of electromagneticradiation, the implanted induction heating element heats the contents ofthe test tube, flask, or the other laboratory equipment safely withoutthe need of a dangerous open flame.

Thus, FIG. 21 depicts a test tube 2100 with an induction heating element2110, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. An electromagnetic radiation source 2120 generateselectromagnetic radiation, which heats the induction heating element2110 of the test tube 2100, thereby heating the contents of the testtube. The induction heating element 2110 may be attached to a surface ofthe test tube 2100 (i.e., post production), or incorporated into thetest tube during production. While the embodiment of FIG. 21 illustratesthe induction heating element 2110 on only an end portion of the testtube 2100, it is to be understood that the induction heating element2110 may cover more (including the entire test tube) or less of the testtube, depending on the desired amount of heat desired. In oneembodiment, a user may attach a desired number of induction heatingelements to the test tube 2100 depending on a desired temperature towhich the contents are to be heated.

Also, while FIG. 21 only shows the application of a test tube, otherlaboratory equipment that are to be heated are contemplated andconsidered within the scope of the present disclosure. For example,flasks, beakers, crucibles, cylinders, evaporating dishes, bottles,jars, etc. may benefit from the embodiments described herein.

Targeted induction heating may be used in a variety of other embodimentsas well. Some of those embodiments are described below. For example, anarrow, targeted beam of electromagnetic radiation may also be used incolder climates to warm a car battery or other portion of a vehicle tofacilitate easier starting of the vehicle. Specifically, a targetedelectromagnetic radiation source may be placed proximate to a ferrousmaterial positioned adjacent to the car battery. By emittingelectromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation source maycause the ferrous material to heat up, thereby warming the battery andallowing the vehicle to start. In at least some embodiments, theelectromagnetic radiation source may be powered from a wall outlet orother power source remote from the vehicle. Alternatively, theelectromagnetic radiation source may be powered by the car batteryitself or by a secondary battery associated with the electromagneticradiation source.

Another application of targeted induction heating may involveverification of the authenticity of an item, such as of anenclosed/sealed package/item (e.g., a pill bottle), to help combatfraudulent reproduction and copying. For example, to authenticate anenclosed item, a detection unit may be incorporated into the encloseditem. In at least some embodiments, the detection unit may beincorporated into a small, sealed chamber of the enclosed item. Thedetection unit may itself be a sealed unit having a dye, paint, stain,ink, or other marking material therein. The marking material may vary incolor and consistency. The walls of the detection unit may be made ofplastic and ferrous elements may be incorporated inside the plasticwalls along with the marking material. Alternatively, at least a portionof the detection unit walls may be made from ferrous materials.

When the enclosed item is exposed to electromagnetic radiation from anelectromagnetic radiation source, the ferrous materials in the detectionunit heats up and melts the plastic portion(s) of the walls of thedetection unit, releasing the marking material. The small, sealedchamber that forms part of the enclosed item and that contains thedetection unit may be placed in an innocuous place within the encloseditem. The small, sealed chamber may also include a small viewing windowsuch that an end user or the authorities are able to view the markingmaterial when it is released in response to electromagnetic radiation,thereby verifying the authenticity of the enclosed item without havingto break/tamper/specifically inspect the enclosed item. The viewingwindow may form at least a portion of an exterior wall of the encloseditem, in at least some embodiments.

Thus, an end user or authorities may activate the detection unit withelectromagnetic radiation to verify the authenticity of the encloseditem without having to open the enclosed item. Specifically, a replicaor knock off of the enclosed item is likely not to include the small,sealed chamber or the detection unit which includes the ferrous materialand marking material that is to be released upon exposure toelectromagnetic radiation. The location of the detection unit and/orcolor of the marking material will be provided from the manufacturer tothe end user, such that the user knows where to look for the markingmaterial and what color the marking material should be. If the markingmaterial appears in the correct location and is the correct color, theuser may be confident that the enclosed item is authentic, beforeopening the enclosed item.

Such an authenticating system may be used to combat the proliferation ofcounterfeit drugs. Any duplicate packaging may appear the same on theoutside, but is likely not to have the embedded detection unit whichreleases the marking material. In one embodiment, the detection unit maybe configured such that the opening of the enclosed item triggers therelease of the marking material. For example, the detection unit holdingthe marking material may include a detachable lid that is connected (bya wire, etc.) to a lid of the enclosed item such that the lid of thedetection unit is opened when the lid of the enclosed item is opened,thereby releasing the marking material. Thus, if the end user receivesthe enclosed item with the marking material already visible, the enduser may be alerted that the enclosed item may have been tampered with.

These embodiments provide advantages over the use of conventionalauthenticity messages, which are visible only under ultraviolet (UV)light. Use of light activated messages to show authenticity is subjectto unauthorized inspection by third parties without alerting the enduser that the inspection was performed. In the disclosed embodiments,inspection via electromagnetic radiation by a third party is apparent tothe end user because the marking material has become visible by anunauthorized inspection prior to the enclosed item being received by theend user. The embedded detection unit may also be used foridentification, selection, and detection purposes, in addition toprotecting against tampering and counterfeiting as discussed above. Theembedded detection unit may be of a variety of shapes and sizes, andmultiple embedded detection units may be used simultaneously in a singleenclosed item. In addition, the walls of the detection unit may beformed from meltable materials other than plastic.

The embodiments described herein have a multitude of applications whichimprove both safety and convenience. The ability to heat objects withouta flame decreases the likelihood of a fire and burns. The ability tospecifically and effortlessly place heating elements in anylocation/orientation relative to food improves user convenience andcooking options. With recent advances in battery and other energy sourcetechnology, an induction cooktop or heating system may be made portable.Additionally, the embodiments described herein no longer require a userto heat a metal pot to heat contents of the pot. Rather, electromagneticenergy may be directed to one or more induction heating elements, whichin turn act as the heat source for heating the contents of the pot.

Small, localized induction heating systems may be placed in hotel rooms,in workplace lunch rooms, in college dormitories, in parks, at restareas, on hiking trails, in campgrounds, etc. Induction heating systemsmay also be plug in units and/or include batteries or other portablepower sources, depending on the embodiment. The induction heatingsystems may be free of charge or pay to use units. Travelers, hikers,etc. may use the portable induction heating systems without the need tohave a pot or other cooking container. Rather, the user may have (or beprovided with) one or more induction heating elements that may be usedto heat food in any number of containers. Turning on the electromagneticradiation source of the induction heating system allows the food to cookwithout the risk of contamination from food of other users, as mayhappen, for example, when using a microwave oven. Microwave ovens alsorequire cleaning and removal of food residue from previous users, andsuch maintenance is avoided with the user of the induction heatingsystems described herein. There is also low or no risk of fire whenusing a small, localized induction heating system.

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities may also use small, localizedinduction heating systems to warm up foods in a targeted and/ordifferential manner for the convenience of patients and staff. Catererswho are out on the road will similarly find convenience in the use ofsmall, localized induction heating systems. Large quantities of food maybe brought to a catered event, and a number of small induction heatingsystems may be used to carry out all of the heating operations needed toprepare and maintain a heated meal, with much less effort and a greatdeal more safety than in traditional preparation methods.

An induction heating system may also be added to a vehicle, such as acar, semi, truck, boat, all-terrain vehicle, etc. The engine and/orbattery of the vehicle may act as a power source for the electromagneticradiation source and the induction heating system may be used forcooking during outdoors events such as a tailgate party, picnic, etc.Additionally, the induction heating source may be used to generate heatin the vehicle for use in colder climates. This allows cooking and/orheating to be performed without the use of flames and dangerous fuelssuch as propane, lighter fluid, gasoline, etc.

The systems described herein may also be used in cold environments toheat articles of clothing. For example, an article of clothing mayinclude ferric threads in at least a portion of the fabric. A layer offerrous material can also be placed on one or more layers of non-ferrousmaterial to form the cloth, or the cloth can be impregnated with ferrousparticles (including ferrous nanoparticles). The ferrous particles canalso be placed in paint, which can be applied to the cloth. Clothing canbe formed from the cloth using standard procedures. Upon receipt ofelectromagnetic radiation, the ferric threads may generate heat, whichis transferred to the wearer of the article of clothing. In alternativeembodiments, induction heating elements other than ferric thread, suchas ferric plates, ferric buttons, ferric fashion accessories, etc. maybe incorporated on or into clothing to provide heat to the user. Thisallows the individual to not rely as much on dangerous space heaters,bonfires, etc. to stay warm. The electromagnetic radiation used to heatthe induction clothing may come from a stationary source. Alternatively,as one example, vehicles may include electromagnetic sources that mayactivate the induction clothing from a distance as the vehicle passes bya wearer of the induction clothing. For example, construction workers,traffic officers, etc. may be able to heat themselves by utilizingelectromagnetic radiation from passing vehicles. Similarly, suchelectromagnetic sources may be placed along sidewalks, trails, etc. suchthat passersby may be heated as they pass.

The systems described herein may also be used for cooking and/or heatingduring camping. For example, an induction heating source in conjunctionwith induction heating elements in a tent or other enclosing sleepingspace is much safer that the use of gases such as propane, which mayresult in oxygen depletion and death. Thus, this may be applied to fielduse for both military personnel and civilians.

The systems described herein also provide for safer remote preparationof food. For example, a user may set a timer to have an induction hotplate begin heating inductive elements (which in turn heat food) whilethe user is on his/her way home from work. This process is safer thanusing electric cooktop, crock pot, or other electrical apparatus thatmay cause a fire when the user is not present. In one embodiment, a heator temperature sensor may be incorporated into or placed near one ormore of the induction heating elements. If the temperature sensordetermines that the temperature exceeds a safe operating thresholdtemperature, the sensor may send a signal to cause the electromagneticradiation source to shut down, thereby cooling the temperature of theheating element and reducing the risk of fire.

The systems described herein may also be used with robotic features forremote cooking or other applications using the robotic features. Forexample, a robotic arm may be incorporated into or near a refrigerator.The robotic arm may be configured to automatically take a container offood from the refrigerator (at a predetermined time) and place the foodcontainer near an induction heating system such that the food is heated.The robotic arm may also be configured to place induction heatingelements into the food container. Alternatively, the food container maycome with the induction heating elements already therein, or the usermay place the induction heating elements in the food container inadvance. As such, the food may remain cold for most of the day, but maybe heated while the user is on his/her way home such the user comes hometo a heated meal.

In one embodiment, the induction cooking system may be incorporated intoan insulated portion of the refrigerator, and the robotic arm may movethe food from a cold storage portion of the refrigerator into theinsulated portion of the refrigerator at a predetermined time. Therobotic arm (or other associated computing system) may then activate anelectromagnetic radiation source such that the food in the insulatedportion of the refrigerator is heated, allowing the user to come home toa hot meal that is already prepared. Again, the robotic arm may positioninduction heating elements in or around the food container and/or theinsulated portion of the refrigerator. Alternatively, the inductionheating elements may be placed by the user.

In another embodiment, a spoon or other utensil fashioned out of ferrousmetal can serve as the heating element. A non-ferrous food container ofappropriate size is placed adjacent to or on top of the electromagneticsource. When the spoon is placed in the container and the radiationsource turned on, the metal of the spoon heats up, thereby causing thefood in the container to heat up. In one configuration, the handle ofthe spoon is made of non-ferrous material such as wood, plastic, orceramic such that the handle can be held without being burned. Thisconcept is readily extended to other utensils of various sizes. Inalternative embodiments, the utensil can be made entirely of metal whichwill heat up in the presence of the electromagnetic radiation. Inanother alternative embodiment, the utensil can be made from sections offerrous metal in a substrate of non-ferrous material, or any othercombination.

In another embodiment, a ferrous heating element can be placed in thewall of a non-ferrous food container such that at least a portion of theferrous heating element is external to the food container and at least aportion of the ferrous heating element is internal to the foodcontainer. Placing the radiation source outside of the container willresult in the exterior portion of the heating element quickly heatingup, thereby heating the interior portion of the heating element viaconduction such that the contents of the food container are heated. Anynumber of such heating elements can be used, in different areas of thecontainer, and the heating elements can be of different sizes. Theheating elements can be permanently mounted to the food container in oneimplementation. Alternatively, the heating elements can be adjustablesuch that the amount of the heating element which is internal/externalto the food container can be altered by sliding the heating elementfurther into (or out of) the food container. The heating elements mayalso be entirely removable from the food container. In such anembodiment, a plug component can be used to fill the hole which waspreviously occupied by a removed heating element.

In current practice, following the path of physical/chemical processesin a living animal or plant (such as blood or other fluid flow) isdifficult and often involves the use of radioactive tracers, fluorescentmolecules, etc. In another embodiment, dietary or other iron may beinjected into the blood stream or other fluid path of a living entityand, upon being subject to electromagnetic radiation, the injected irongenerates a safe level of heat. One or more heat detectors may be placedon or near the subject to identify areas of the subject that are beingheated as a result of the injected iron. The one or more heat detectorsare associated with a processing device that receives indications ofdetected heat and tracks the progression or location of the injectediron in the subject based on the detected heat. As a result, ongoingprocesses in living things may be followed without the need forradioactive tracking systems that are in current use.

The induction systems described herein may also be used for internaldetection. For example, an induction technique may be used to detect thepresence of (ferrous) shrapnel in an injured soldier. Specifically,electromagnetic radiation may be targeted to an injury site and heatdetectors may be placed on/near the patient to determine whether thereis an increase in heat due to the shrapnel within the patient.Additionally, it has been established that at least some bacterialinfections involve the cooperation of bacteria to grow and form a largebacterial infection site, as opposed to remaining a collection ofindividual bacteria particles spread throughout an organism. Iron is animportant component of bacterial growth. As such, an induction systemmay be used to pinpoint regions of bacterial infection. Specifically,electromagnetic radiation may be passed through an area of an organismsuch that iron in a bacterial infection emanates heat. Heat detectorsmay then be used to identify areas emanating heat to pinpoint thelocation of the infection.

The induction systems described herein may also be used to study animallearning. Current tests that explore animal learning capabilities ofteninvolve the imposition of hunger on the animal with the utilization offood as a reward for performing some task such as completing a maze.Induction heating elements may similarly be used to study animallearning. For example, an animal may be placed into a cage in a coldenvironment, where a portion of the cage is made of ferrous materialthat generates heat when subjected to an electromagnetic radiation. Thecage may include the ferrous material in the form of spaced out stripsof metal that may be moved around by the animal. As an example, thespaced out strips of metal may be in a portion of a roof of the cage andobservers may determine how long it takes the animal to realize that itreceives heat if it stands proximate to the spaced out strips. Observersmay also determine whether the animal has the intelligence to manipulatethe strips (i.e., move them all together into a single unit) to increasethe heat in a given area of the cage, etc. Observers may also determinewhether one animal is capable of teaching another animal how tomanipulate the metal strips for a warming effect.

The embodiments described herein make it possible to create heat in adesired and targeted location without the use of convection, conduction,or heat radiation. Rather, electromagnetic radiation, which passesthrough tissue, food, plant matter, plastics, and non-ferrous metal, maybe used to heat ferrous metal placed in the location of choice. Theferrous metal may have any shape, dimension, or state, including solidor liquid. The heating of the ferrous metal may be completely controlledfor purposes of schedule, duration, repetition, and number of events fora given time period. Further, the level of heating may be modulated bythe nature of the electromagnetic radiation sent by the electromagneticradiation source. This enables the control and function at a distancenot possible in the past.

The techniques described herein may also be used to conduct targetedpinpoint heating in both living entities and inanimate objects. Forexample, placing a small amount of metal into an entity/object and thenpassing electromagnetic radiation through the metal may allow forselection, control, and in some instances, self-repair. Thisdifferential reception of electromagnetic radiation, which appears asheat may also be used to destroy unwanted tissue, or heal and reviveother tissue as the case may be. For example, consider a deviceimplanted in living tissue which on occasion requires a current flow,but not so often as to justify an implanted battery or complicatedreceiver. Such a device may be powered using induction heat by placing athermocouple wire in a desired location, where one end of thethermocouple wire is surrounded by additional ferrous material. Passingelectromagnetic radiation through the thermocouple wire induces atemperature gradient, which in turn generates the desired current toprovide power to the device, to perform nerve stimulation/treatment,accelerate healing, etc.

In another embodiment and as discussed above, a bimetallic strip may beplaced in a location which is not readily accessible and used tocomplete a circuit or interrupt a circuit, as discussed herein. Sendingelectromagnetic radiation at a desired time heats the bimetallic strip,causing it to bend and thereby control the circuit. This principle mayalso be extended to opening and closing a valve by heating it usinginduction heat by surrounding it with ferrous material and causing adesired expansion. Expansion of this kind may be used to control anenclosed fluid, which in turn may be used to direct the flow of otherliquids. The same principle may be used to melt a fuse in a circuit inorder to begin a function or operation, for example, to interrupt anongoing circuit at a predetermined time. Heat applied at a distance mayalso be used to induce adhesion of heat reactive adhesive in anindustrial setting, promote healing in a living body, and stimulate arepair that requires heat.

The danger of the inadvertent triggering of the induction devicesdescribed herein due to stray radiation is low. For example, manyindividuals wear and/or carry ferrous metal without having the metalheat up as a result of stray radiation in the environment. To implementthe induction devices described herein, strong, precisely directedelectromagnetic radiation is used. In rare circumstances, it may bedesirable to implement protective measures on the induction devices toprevent the effect of stray radiation, as is done relative topacemakers, for example.

There are many applications for the induction methods described herein,including use of a ferrous paper-like wrapper attached to anelectromagnetic source to heat food in any location, including at auser's desk, in a kitchen or lunchroom, in a restaurant, etc. In thefarming industry, the methods described herein may be used to preventfrost from damaging plants by placing ferrous material in or aroundplants and causing the ferrous material to selectively heat the plantsby applying the appropriate amount of electromagnetic radiation.Induction heating may also be used in blankets, clothes, etc. to heathumans and animals.

As discussed throughout, the ability to transmit heat remotely withoutthe need for conduction, convection, or heat radiation providesadvantages relative to safety, and does not require the installation ofwires to conduct electricity. Additionally, the ability to heat anobject or area at a distance without any effect on the interveningsubstance has a large number of applications. For example, systems whichrequire a cycle or a given order of operations may use remote andtargeted induction heating. A lighted sign, for example, may haveportions that light up at certain times and/or in a certain order.Targeted electromagnetic radiation may be used to activate ferrousswitches in the sign, thereby causing the appropriate portion to lightup at the appropriate time.

Similarly, an otherwise non-metallic motor may utilize ferrouscomponents to generate heat and/or a spark at appropriate times duringthe motor's cycle. The control of such targeted induction systems may becomputerized such that a user may precisely program the timing andlocation of electromagnetic radiation to achieve the desired result. Asan example, a teacher or salesperson may use induction heat toselectively light a whiteboard, sign, display, etc. to help make a pointor highlight a given area.

Additionally, experiments and processes that need intermittent heat, butthat require isolation from the ambient environment may also utilizeinduction to provide the heat. For example, contents of an experimentrequiring isolation may be housed in a plurality of sealed, non-ferrouscontainers. A ferrous element may be inserted into or attached to one ormore of the non-ferrous containers that requires intermittent heat tocomplete the experiment. The ferrous element(s) may be selectivelyheated at appropriate times to deliver heat without unsealing orotherwise disturbing the contents of the experiment. Crystal growth andcell growth are examples of experiments/procedures that may utilize heatat a distance to facilitate the growth. Heat may also be applied to asubstance (such as a PVC pipe) such that the substance is more inclinedto emit chemicals. For example, such heating may be used in conjunctionwith spectroscopy to improve the emissions of a substance so that theemissions are more readily detectable.

Induction heat may also be used to assist with surgical procedures thatutilize heat. For example, heat operations featuring ablations mayutilize heat that is physically transferred from outside to within thetarget area. In such a procedure, a small ferrous target may be placedwith great precision prior to surgery and may be monitored during thesurgery. In the context of atrial fibrillation, the inserted ferroustarget may be monitored over many heart cycles, and may be used totransfer heat to a target area to perform an ablation without distressto the patient. The ferrous target may easily be removed once the heatneed for the operation is delivered.

Remote and targeted heating may also be used to protect objects andsystems that are not readily accessible. For example, ferrous elementsmay be selectively placed near or around plastic pipes that carry water,and may be used to prevent the pipes from freezing during cold weatherconditions. Such pipes may be underground or within walls, and may beotherwise very difficult to access directly. In one embodiment, acomputerized system may control the heating of such pipes, and may beconfigured to automatically activate induction heating of the pipes whenthe temperature drops below a certain threshold, such as the freezingpoint.

As discussed herein, clothing may also take advantage of inductionheating through the incorporation of ferrous threads that are interwoveninto non-ferrous materials. When proximate to an electromagneticradiation source, the clothing may be heated, providing warmth to thewearer. Such electromagnetic radiation sources may be used in publicareas such as bus stops and other areas where individuals are exposed tothe elements. Electromagnetic radiation sources for use in heatingclothing may also be placed indoors and/or on public transportation suchas buses, trains, planes, etc.

Induction heating may also be used to protect trees and plants fromunusually cold temperatures. For example, ferrous elements may be placedproximate to the roots of a tree or other plant, and may thereby be usedto maintain the roots at a given temperature so that the plant does notdie. Such a process may be very beneficial in a tree nursery in which acold snap likely causes significant losses. In one embodiment, the potsof potted plants, such as flower pots, may include or be made fromferrous material such that the pot may be heated, thereby heating thesoil within the pot and the roots of any plants in the pot. For example,a flower pot can be constructed with ferrous metal inserted into thewalls of the container or surrounding the walls of the container. Aradiation source can be programmed to automatically turn on when a lowtemperature threshold is reached such that the plants can be safelywarmed with no safety concerns and no wires which may become excessivelyhot. Specifically, radiation travels to the element in or surroundingthe flower pot, and heats the pot, which in turn warms the plants. Thisconcept can be extended to large containers for plants, to greenhouses,and to tree roots. Animal cages can similarly be heated. Inductionheating may also be used to warm a bee hive without disturbing the bees.

Remote induction heating may also be used by rescue workers to help warmindividuals that are trapped or otherwise inaccessible. For example,workers trapped in a mine may have or be provided with ferrous materialto receive heat. Targeted electromagnetic radiation may then be used toheat the ferrous material. Similarly, individuals trapped under snow andice may receive heat via electromagnetic radiation if they are equippedwith ferrous material.

The concept of delivering heat into a living body has a number of uses.For example, drug delivery may be facilitated via induction. A drug maybe at least partly encased by a small amount of ferrous metal, and maybe released by a burst of electromagnetic radiation that is configuredto melt the small amount of metal. The drug may be delivered into atumor, for example. No other sources of thermal energy currently in usehas such a little of a disturbing impact on the intervening tissue.Targeted induction heating may also be used to enhance vascularpermeability, and may even be used to transcend the blood-brain barrieras medical technology improves.

Heat may also be used to change the physical properties of objects suchas electrical resistance, length, hardness, etc. The embodimentsdescribed herein enable a new level of control in devices made ofplastics and other non-ferrous materials. Such devices may include aferrous element at a key location to serve as an active control. Forexample, consider two wooden surfaces which are intended to be joined orkept together in certain circumstances and kept apart in othercircumstances. One of the wooden surfaces may include a ferrous pin orrod attached thereto, and the other wooden surface may include a plasticreceptacle into which the pin or rod fits in a cool (i.e., unheated)condition. Upon heating, the rod or pin increases in diameter such thatthe rod or pin does not fit into the plastic receptacle. When the heatis removed, the diameter of the rod or pin decreases, thereby allowingit to fit into the plastic receptacle.

Thus, FIG. 22 depicts a device attachment mechanism of a device 2200having a male to female connection that is controlled via temperature,in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.In FIG. 22, the device 2200 includes an upper wood surface 2210 and alower wood surface 2220. A ferrous rod 2230 placed horizontally acrossthe opening is configured to fit into a plastic receptacle 2240 when theferrous rod is cool, and the ferrous rod is configured to not fit intothe plastic receptacle when the ferrous rod is heated.

In some instances, it is desirable or necessary for two chemicals to becombined at a specific time and/or location which are not accessible orconvenient. In an embodiment, the chemicals are placed in adjacentcontainers or in adjacent parts of the same container, and are separatedby an interface which can be melted by the addition of heat. At thisinterface, a ferrous element of appropriate size is placed and anelectromagnetic radiation source is placed nearby. At the appropriatetime, the radiation source is turned on, causing the ferrous element toheat up and melt the interface such that the chemicals are combined.

All applications needing heat can be designed to receive such heat usingthe combination of a radiation source and a ferrous element or material.For example, a thermocouple can be heated in this way, with induction atone end to create a current or control a switch in a circuit. Similarly,a stirling engine can use such induction heating as a source of heat incertain applications where other sources of heat are neither convenientnor safe. The ability to target and control the location and intensityof heating also makes the embodiments described herein useful insituations where it is desirable to dry liquids. This would include wetpaint on small (or even large) areas, chemical reactions, biologicalspecimens, liquid surface protectant that has been applied to a surface,and/or any other areas where a warm environment at a specific locationwill induce a more rapid drying.

In some embodiments, control of the heating elements described hereinmay be implemented at least in part as computer-readable instructionsstored on a computer-readable medium, such as a computer memory orstorage device. Upon execution of the computer-readable instructions bya processor, the computer-readable instructions may cause the computingdevice to perform the operations by directing the radiation source tobegin in a desired fashion.

As discussed above, traditional induction cookware is typically madeentirely of a ferromagnetic material that heats up as a result ofelectromagnetic radiation (e.g., fluctuating magnetic field) that isdirected toward the cookware. The electromagnetic radiation is emittedfrom a radiation source, the magnitude of which is controlled by a user.As a result of the induction cookware being entirely made offerromagnetic material, all of the food placed into the cookware isuniformly heated. However, in some situations, it is desirable to havefood heated at different rates in the same cooking vessel. For example,it may be desirable to not heat a bottom of the cooking vessel to avoidburning the food. This is especially true for delicate food preparationtechniques, such as the making of caramel and candies. Additionally, itmay be desirable to have selective heat placement in the cookware whendefrosting frozen foods such that the defrosting process is completeprior to commencement of the actual cooking of the food. Also, withtraditional cookware (both induction and convection), the entirecookware is heated, including the handle(s) and portions of the cookwarethat are not in contact with food. This is inefficient and results inwasted heat energy that is dispersed into the environment. Describedherein are cooking vessels and components that can be used to heat foodand other items in a targeted and controlled manner via inductionwithout wasting resources.

FIG. 23A depicts a cooking vessel 2300 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. As depicted, the cooking vessel 2300 is in theshape of a cube. In alternative embodiments, the cooking vessel 2300 maybe cylindrical, rectangular, or have any other shape. In an illustrativeembodiment, the cooking vessel 2300 is made entirely or primarily of anon-ferromagnetic material such as wood, copper, aluminum, heatresistant plastic, etc. such that the cooking vessel does not heat up inresponse to applied radiation from an induction source. Rather, thecooking vessel 2300 is configured to incorporate one or more inductionelements, which are used to heat the food or other contents of thevessel.

The cooking vessel 2300 includes a handle 2305, a bottom wall 2310, andside walls 2315. As discussed in more detail below, the handle 2305 ismounted below an upper edge 2320 of the cooking vessel 2300 toaccommodate placement of an induction element at any location along theupper edge 2320 formed by the side walls 2315. In one embodiment, thehandle 2305 is positioned on the side wall 2315 at least 1 inch belowthe upper edge 2320. Alternatively, a different distance may be usedsuch as 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, etc.In alternative configurations, the cooking vessel 2300 may include feweror additional handles, one or more handles of a different shape, and/orone or more handles mounted in different positions on the vessel. Insome embodiments, the cooking vessel 2300 may also include a lid orcover that is configured to fit on top of the vessel.

FIG. 23B depicts an induction element 2350 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. At least a portion of the induction element2350 is made from a ferromagnetic material that heats up in response toreceived radiation from an induction source. The induction element 2350includes a heating member 2355, an upper edge contact member 2360mounted to (or integrally formed with) the heating member, and a lip2365 mounted to (or integrally formed with) the upper edge contactmember 2360. The induction element 2350 mounts to the cooking vessel2300 such that the heating member 2355 rests on an interior surface of aside wall 2315 of the vessel. Specifically, the upper edge contactmember 2360 rests on the upper edge 2320 of the cooking vessel 2300 andthe lip 2365 rests upon an outer surface of a sidewall 2315 of thevessel. As noted above, the handle 2305 can be mounted to a sidewall2315 of the vessel at a distance below the upper edge 2320 such that theinduction element 2350 can be positioned at any location along theperimeter of the upper edge 2320. The distance is greater than or equalto a length with which the lip 2365 extends downward from the upper edgecontact member 2360.

In one embodiment, the heating member 2355 can have an adjustable lengthsuch that a bottom of the heating member 2355 is able to rest on thebottom wall 2310 of the cooking vessel 2300 or be raised up so that itdoes not rest on the bottom wall 2310 of the vessel. For example, in oneembodiment, the heating member 2355 can include an upper portion and alower portion, and the lower portion can be slidably mounted to theupper portion. In such an embodiment, sliding the lower portion relativeto the upper portion adjusts an overall length of the heating member2355. The lower portion can be maintained at a given position through afriction fit. Alternatively, the lower portion and the upper portion caninclude holes that, when aligned, are configured to receive a fasteneror pin that holds the lower portion at a desired depth within thecooking vessel 2300.

In an illustrative embodiment, the induction cooking vessel 2300 canaccommodate a plurality of induction elements, depending on the user'spreferences. The use of additional induction elements enables targetedheating within the cooking vessel 2300 at a plurality of differentlocations. In another embodiment, the heating member 2355 of theinduction element 2350 can be made from a ferromagnetic material, andthe upper edge contact member 2360 and/or lip 2365 can be made from anon-ferromagnetic material such that the upper edge contact member 2360and/or the lip 2365 are cooler to the touch. This allows the user tomore easily reposition the induction element 2350 without gettingburned. The induction element 2350 can also include a handle (not shown)made of non-ferromagnetic material to facilitate movement of theinduction element 2350. In another embodiment, the induction element2350 may be available in a plurality of different sizes such that theuser is able to select an appropriate size for the desired heatingapplication (i.e., a larger induction element can be used for generatingmore heat, and a smaller induction element can be used for generatingless heat).

In an alternative embodiment, the upper edge of the induction cookingvessel can include one or more slots configured to receive the upperedge contact member 2360 of the induction element 2350 such that a topsurface of the upper edge contact member 2360 is flush with a topsurface the upper edge of the induction cooking vessel. FIG. 23C is aside view of a side wall 2375 of an induction cooking vessel withgrooves 2380 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Each of thegrooves 2380, which are sized to fit the upper edge contact member 2360of the induction element 2350, includes a first side, a second side, anda base. While the side wall 2375 is depicted with 2 grooves 2380, it isto be understood that each side wall of the cooking vessel may includefewer or additional grooves.

FIG. 23D is a profile side view of a lid 2385 with flanges 2390 for aninduction cooking vessel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The flanges 2390 are configured to align with the grooves 2380 such thata bottom surface 2395 of the lid 2385 is able to rest flush on the upperedge of the induction cooking vessel. In an illustrative embodiment,each of the flanges 2390 is hinged, or otherwise movable, such that theycan be moved out of the way (i.e., outward to extend past the outersurface of the vessel) in the event that one or more induction elements2350 are positioned in one or more grooves 2380 on the upper edge of theinduction cooking vessel. In this way, the lid 2385 is able to sit flushon the upper edge regardless of the number of grooves 2380 that areholding induction elements. In another alternative embodiment, the upperedge of the induction cooking vessel can be a flat surface, and a lidfor the cooking vessel can include one or more grooves sized to receivethe upper edge contact member of the induction element such that the lidis able to rest flush upon the upper edge of the vessel while one ormore induction elements are in use.

FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view of a cooking vessel 2400 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, the cooking vessel2400 includes a bottom wall 2405 and one or more sidewalls 2410. In anembodiment in which the cooking vessel 2400 is cylindrical in shape, thecooking vessel includes a single (circular or elliptical) sidewall 2410.In an embodiment in which the cooking vessel 2400 is square orrectangular in shape, the cooking vessel can include a plurality ofsidewalls 2410. The sidewall(s) 2410 include a plurality of hooks 2415,each of which is configured to receive an induction element. While FIG.24A depicts two columns of the hooks 2415, it is to be understandingthat the cooking vessel can include fewer or additional columns of hookspositioned about the interior surface of the cooking vessel. In analternative embodiment, the hooks 2415 may not be in columns, butinstead may be staggered rows or otherwise spaced about the interiorsurface of the vessel. In other embodiments, instead of hooks, thecooking vessel may include screws or other protrusions positioned aboutits surface and configured to receive induction elements.

In another embodiment, the hooks or other protrusions may be positionedon an exterior surface of the cooking vessel as opposed to the interiorsurface as shown. In such an embodiment, the induction elements and thehooks/protrusions do not contact the food/liquid in the interior of thecooking vessel. FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of a cooking vessel2402 with external hooks/protrusions 2415 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The hooks/protrusions 2415 can be positionedaround the entire exterior surface of the sidewall 2410

FIG. 24C is an enlarged view of an induction element 2425 for use withthe cooking vessel 2400 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The induction element 2425 is made of a ferromagnetic material that isheated responsive to received electromagnetic radiation. The inductionelement 2425 includes a body 2430 and a loop 2435 integrally connected(or otherwise mounted) to the body 2430. The loop 2435 of the inductionelement 2425 forms an opening 2440 that allows the induction element2425 to be hung from any of the hooks 2415 depicted in FIGS. 24A and24B. The user can position one (or a plurality) of the inductionelements about the cooking vessel 2400 to perform targeted heating ofthe vessel's contents. In an alternative embodiment, the inductionelement 2425 may include only a body portion with a hole therein thatallows the induction element 2425 to be hung from the hooks 2415. Inanother alternative embodiment, the induction element 2425 may include ahook mounted to the body 2430 instead of a loop, and the hook is used tohang the induction element from the hooks 2415 in the cooking vessel2400. In another embodiment, the induction element may be available in aplurality of different sizes such that the user is able to select anappropriate size for the desired heating application (i.e., a largerinduction element can be used for generating more heat, and a smallerinduction element can be used for generating less heat).

In some of the embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24, the induction element(s)are positioned in an interior of the cooking vessel such that they arein contact with the food/liquid that is being heated. In an alternativeembodiment, the induction element(s) can be positioned such that they donot make direct contact with the food/liquid in the cooking vessel. FIG.25A depicts a double wall cooking vessel 2500 in accordance with inillustrative embodiment. While the double wall cooking vessel 2500 isdepicted as cylindrical in shape, in other embodiments the double wallcooking vessel can have a different shape such as square, rectangular,etc.

The double wall cooking vessel 2500 includes a handle 2505, an innerside wall 2510, and an outer side wall 2515. In an illustrativeembodiment, the handle 2505, the inner side wall 2510, and the outerside wall 2515 are made of a non-ferromagnetic material. Food/liquid tobe heated is placed into the double wall cooking vessel 2500 such thatit is in contact with the inner side wall 2510, but not the outer sidewall 2515. A plurality of slots 2520 are formed between the inner sidewall 2510 and the outer side wall 2515. As shown, the double wallcooking vessel 2500 includes 6 slots spaced around the perimeter. Inalternative embodiments, the double wall cooking vessel 2500 may includefewer or additional slots. The slots are formed from dividers thatextend between the inner side wall 2510 and the outer side wall 2515. Inone embodiment, the slots 2520 can be symmetrically spaced about theperimeter of the vessel 2500 such that the slots 2520 are equidistantfrom one another. Alternatively, the spacing between slots may beasymmetric. In another embodiment, each of the slots 2520 is the sameshape and size. Alternatively, the slots may be of different sizesand/or shapes.

Each of the slots 2520 is configured to receive an induction elementthat, upon receipt of electromagnetic radiation, heats the inner sidewall 2510 such that food/liquid within the double wall cooking vessel2500 is heated. The user is able to position as many induction elementsinto the slots 2520 as desired to achieve targeted heating of thecontents of the vessel. In one embodiment, the inner side wall 2510 canbe made from a first material having a first thermal conductivity andthe outer side wall 2515 can be made from a second material having asecond thermal conductivity, where the first thermal conductivity ishigher than the second thermal conductivity. As a result, the outer sidewall 2515 will remain cooler than the inner side wall 2510, reducing therisk that the user will be burned.

In another embodiment, a bottom of the double wall cooking vessel 2500can also include a double wall with one or more slots therein to receiveinduction elements. The one or more slots in the bottom double wallallow the user to also heat the contents of the vessel from the bottomthereof.

In one embodiment, the outer side wall of the double wall cooking vesselcan include a plurality of slits that enable placement of a stopper sucha height of the induction element can be adjusted by the user. FIG. 25Bis a sectional view of a portion of an outer sidewall 2530 of a doublewall cooking vessel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Theportion of the outer sidewall 2530 depicted aligns with a slot 2535(e.g., which can be similar to one of the slots 2520 of FIG. 25A) of thedouble wall cooking vessel. The portion of the outer sidewall 2530includes slits 2540, which are openings in the outer side wall of thecooking vessel that provide access to the slot 2535. In an illustrativeembodiment, each of the slots of the double wall cooking vessel caninclude one or more slits 2540. Also, although 3 slits are shown, feweror additional slits may be used in alternative embodiments. The slits2540 are configured to receive a stopper to control a height of theinduction element that is placed into the slot. The stopper, which issized to fit within any of the slits 2540, is used to support theinduction element so that the induction element does not go all the waydown to the bottom of the double wall cooking vessel 2500.

FIG. 25C depicts a stopper 2550 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. The stopper 2550 includes an induction element support 2555,a wall 2560, and a handle 2565. The stopper 2550 is sized to fit intoany of the slits 2540 in the outer side wall of the vessel. Uponplacement into one of the slits, the induction element rests upon theinduction element support 2555, which keeps the induction element at adesired height above the bottom of the cooking vessel. The wall 2560rests upon the outer wall of the vessel, and the handle 2565 is used bythe user to move and position the stopper 2550.

As an example, if the user wishes for the induction element to reach thebottom of the double wall cooking vessel, no stopper is used. If theuser wishes for the induction element to be close to (but not touching)the bottom of the vessel, the stopper 2550 is placed into the lowestslit 2540 prior to placement of the induction element. Similarly, themiddle and top slits 2540 can be used by the user to achieve differentdistances from the bottom of the induction element to the bottom of thecooking vessel.

It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments have beendescribed to provide the best illustration of the principles of thesubject matter and its practical application to thereby enable one ofordinary skill in the art to utilize the system in various embodimentsand with various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated.

The word “illustrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes ofthis disclosure and unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “oneor more”.

The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible inlight of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of theinvention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explainthe principles of the invention and as practical applications of theinvention to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooking vessel system comprising: a double wallcooking vessel that includes: a bottom wall, an inner side wall, and anouter side wall; a plurality of dividers that extend between the innerside wall and the outer side wall, wherein the plurality of dividersform one or more slots between the inner side wall and the outer sidewall; and an induction element configured to fit into a slot of the oneor more slots such that the induction element is positioned at leastpartially between the inner side wall and the outer side wall.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall, the inner side wall, and theouter side wall are made from a non-ferromagnetic material.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the wherein the inner side wall has a firstthermal conductivity and the outer side wall has a second thermalconductivity, and wherein the first thermal conductivity is greater thanthe second thermal conductivity.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theinduction element comprises a ferromagnetic material that is sized tofit within the slot.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or moreslots comprises a plurality of slots that are symmetrically positionedabout a perimeter of the double wall cooking vessel.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more horizontal slits in a portion ofthe outer side wall adjacent to the slot.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein each of the one or more horizontal slits is configured toreceive a stopper to control a height of the induction element relativeto the bottom wall.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the stopperincludes at least an induction element support and a handle.
 9. Acooking vessel system comprising: a cooking vessel that includes abottom wall and a side wall, wherein the side wall has an inner surface,an outer surface, and an upper edge; and an induction element that isconfigured to mount to the side wall, wherein the induction elementincludes a heating member, an upper edge contact member, and a lip;wherein the heating member rests upon the inner surface of the sidewall; wherein the upper edge contact member rests upon the upper edge ofthe cooking vessel; and wherein the lip rests upon the outer surface ofthe side wall.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the induction elementis mountable at any position along the upper edge of the cooking vessel.11. The system of claim 9, wherein a bottom of the heating member doesnot contact the bottom wall of the cooking vessel when mounted.
 12. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the cooking vessel is made from anon-ferromagnetic material.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein theheating member of the induction element is made from a ferromagneticmaterial.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the upper edge contactmember and the lip of the induction element are made from anon-ferromagnetic material.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein a bottomof the heating member contacts the bottom wall of the cooking vesselwhen mounted.
 16. The system of claim 9, wherein the upper edge of thecooking vessel includes one or more grooves, and wherein each of the oneor more grooves is sized to receive the upper edge contact member of theinduction element.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein a depth of eachof the one or more grooves is equal to a height of the upper edgecontact member such that a top surface of the upper edge contact memberis flush with a top surface of the upper edge.
 18. The system of claim16, further comprising a lid for the cooking vessel, wherein the lidincludes one or more flanges that align with and are sized to fit withinthe one or more grooves in the upper edge of the cooking vessel.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein each of the one or more flanges is hingedsuch that the one or more flanges can be swung outward past the outersurface of the side wall to accommodate the upper edge contact member ofthe induction element.
 20. The system of claim 9, wherein the heatingmember of the induction element has an adjustable length.